“When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” Mark 12:34
One of the teachers of the law came up to Jesus and asked Him what was the greatest commandment. Jesus answered the first is to love God and the second is to love your neighbor.
The teacher was pleased and agreed with Jesus. He even states that these things are more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. It is at this point Jesus states that he is not far from the kingdom of God.
Notice that the teacher of the law knew all the right words. He knew what was the most important commandments. Yet, despite knowing all this “good” information, he was still not in the kingdom of God. He was not far, but He was still outside, away from the kingdom of God.
Many people today know all the good things of God. People will tell you that you are to love God and your neighbors, and to not sin. Yet, their hearts are not in a relationship with God. They do not have a daily relationship with Jesus.
Outside of trusting in Jesus for your salvation and following Him, you will not get into the kingdom of heaven. Going to church and speaking all the good words will not get you into heaven. Even reading the Bible everyday will not get you into heaven.
Only trusting in Jesus for your salvation and following Him will get you into heaven. If you love God, you will obey Him. You will want to obey His laws, not because they are the laws or to keep from getting into trouble, but because of your love for Him.
Are you “not far” from the kingdom of God? Or are you in the kingdom of God? Where is your relationship with Jesus today?
Are you just speaking the right words? Or are you in a relationship with God?
Are you just going through the motions? Or are you living the life God has for you?
Get into the kingdom of God today. Trust in Jesus for your salvation and build your relationship with Him.
I pray today that God will draw you closer to Him; that you will be on a close relationship with Jesus; that you will live the life God has for you; that you will be in the kingdom of heaven; and that you will love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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