Every time I read Matthew 19, I try to think about how my life lines up with Jesus’ demand of the rich young man. But here’s the problem. No matter how hard I try – even when I know I’m doing this – I can’t help but make excuses and explain away why it doesn’t apply to me, or why I’m OK living how I do. I try to get past myself, but I can’t. The human mind and defense mechanisms are a fascinating thing. So, I thought I’d do the opposite: instead of figuring out how I should change to get in line with scripture, I re-wrote scripture to match my lifestyle and thought process to get a different perspective on the mismatch between what I “believe” and what I do. I think a full Bible in this translation would be a best-seller - maybe I’ll call it The Practical Application Bible since I’ll base it on what I do, not what I say I believe. It sure provides some comfort (I based it on the King James translation because it sounds so much more official). As to accuracy and integrity of the message… well, let’s just say that you may not want to be in my vicinity about now due to the pending bolt of lightning that is probably coming for me. It was rather shocking for me to see it this way - just how far I had to pervert Jesus’ message to fit the way I see myself living.
Matthew 19:16-29 (Practical Application Bible)
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22But when the young man heard that saying, he turned away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. But Jesus stopped him, and saith; Wait… no… I spake more strongly than I might… sometimes that happeneth… thou art OK, really. If thou shouldst say the sinner’s prayer thou hath no need to change thy lifestyle. For, lo; my message is one of ease and comfort. 23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, it is easy for all, even a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God than it is to walk through an open gateway. 25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly relieved, saying, all then can be forthwith and easily saved. 26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are easy, and upon my sacrifice… very, very easy. 27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that was irresponsible and rash… yea, stupid even. Ye are children of the King because of what I will do – you need do nothing difficult. In the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall have acted foolishly - for such sacrifice is not necessary; all who call on my name will receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Just in case you don’t remember off-hand, what follows is the original KJV. Maybe presenting this as well will allow me to dodge that bolt of lightning…
Matthew 19:16-29
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
