Universal Utterings®
for August 20, 2024

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08-20-2024 Matthew 19 V-2330 For the Sake of My Name

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The Book of Matthew 19 v-23 thru 30

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Matthew 19:23-30 presents a profound teaching from Jesus about wealth, discipleship, and the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. In this passage, Jesus remarks on the difficulty for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, using the vivid metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This statement underscores the spiritual challenges that wealth can pose, as it often leads to attachment, pride, and a false sense of security. Jesus emphasizes that reliance on material riches can distract individuals from their spiritual journey and relationship with God.

Following this, the disciples express astonishment at His words, questioning who can be saved if the wealthy struggle to enter the Kingdom. Jesus responds by highlighting the divine nature of salvation: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This reassures the disciples that while human efforts may falter, God’s grace can transcend human limitations.

Peter then speaks up, noting that the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. In response, Jesus promises that those who have sacrificed for Him and the Gospel will be rewarded abundantly in the Kingdom. He assures them that they will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing their significant roles in the soul’s fulfillment of God’s plan.

Finally, Jesus concludes with a stark reminder: “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” This statement challenges societal values and reverses typical expectations about status and reward in the Kingdom. Overall, this passage calls for reflection on the nature of true discipleship, the dangers of materialism, and the radical generosity of God’s grace. It invites believers to prioritize spiritual riches over earthly wealth, affirming that true fulfillment comes from a life devoted to God. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

08-20-2024 Matthew 19 V-2330

**For the Sake of My Name**

In the heart of the crowd, a lesson unfolds,

Of treasures and trials, a truth to behold.

“Riches,” Jesus said, “may hinder the way,

A camel through needles—oh, what price to pay!”

The wealthy man’s armor, his gold and his gain,

Can blind him to blessings, can tether in vain.

“Who then can be saved?” the disciples implore,

As the weight of their worry begins to explore.

“With man it is tough, but with God all is grace,

For He sees through the heart, not the wealth we embrace.”

In the Kingdom of Heaven, it’s not what we own,

But the love that we share, the seeds that we've sown.

“Leave everything behind, come follow the call,

For those who have sacrificed will rise with the fall.

Each throne awaits those who’ve walked in My light,

With the first becoming last, and the last taking flight.”

So let us release all our chains of desire,

Seek treasures of spirit, and set hearts afire.

For in giving, we find a far richer reward,

In the arms of the Savior, our true wealth restored. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 20, 2024 @ 05:49 AM EST

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