and will not be able. More tough words from Jesus as we get closer and closer to his arrival in Jerusalem. It is a clear reminder to me that we are getting further and further away from the joy that is Easter and coming closer and closer to that season of end that is Advent.
Anyway, what struck me today, as I look at the daunting "to-do list" ahead of me, is that word try. It is such a little word, but it has such an impact in light of Jesus' call to kingdom living.
"Do or do not, there is no try" - I think ol' Yoda had a point when he uttered these words. Trying to enter the kingdom of God is useless. We can't get there on our own, so don't try, do. I'm reminded of that old come to Jesus story of the swimmers. "Entering the kingdom of God is like setting out to swim across the Atlantic Ocean. A gifted swimmer might make it 50 miles or so before exhausting overcomes her. An out of shape doggy paddler might get only a few hundred yards before being consumed by the ocean. From the ground it looks like a big difference, but in light of the breadth of the Atlantic, it is meaningless."
We try and try to enter the kingdom through good works, nice thoughts, good intentions, diligent working on our to-do lists, etc., but the only way to enter, as we found last week is to read the signs, repent, and be baptized. The Holy Spirit, the blazing fire in Hebrews, purifies and makes clean. No amount of trying on our part can do that. Many will try to enter, but only those consumed by God will dine with Him.
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