Mission Impossible

Luke 18:27 What is impossible with men is possible with God

I woke up this morning in Memphis, Tennessee. To you that might not seem so strange since I live here. For me though, it still seems like I'm waking up in a dream instead of from a dream. I wonder how did Scott and I get here to this place where God called two completely ordinary, seemingly unqualified people into service for Him. I hear Jesus' answer, "Nothing is impossible with God."

This morning I am reading in Luke Chapter 18, Verses 18-27. Here I encounter a stand-up guy asking Jesus a question. In many ways he sounds like the kind of man I pray for my daughters to marry. He is both respectful of his parents and of very high moral character (verses 20-21) and, as a bonus, he's loaded (verse 23). Surely this is the kind of man that my daughters would be proud to bring home to Jesus as well. If they did, they'd find him asking Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life? (verse 18). Jesus response is one you'd never hear most potential parents-in-law saying to a guy like this: "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

This fine young man is filled with sorrow (verse 23) because his wealth was just too much to part with. The crowd then muses who possibly can be saved if not this guy. I know I for one don't measure up. My parents could tell you I've been less than respectful and I can't even say that I've kept the short list of commandments listed at the end of verse 20. I, for one, am exceedingly thankful that Jesus responds by making the impossible, possible (verse 27).

When Mary was first told she would bear Jesus she cries out, "How will this be since I am a virgin? (Luke 1:34)" The angel's response was, "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). Just as the impossible was required for Jesus to enter the world, the impossible is required for him to enter my heart. I am not good enough. I could never make myself good enough if I kept a thousand commandments. By God's grace, love and mercy, he whispers in my heart, "I make the impossible, possible". That is how I woke up in Memphis this morning.