One

"You lack one thing," Mark 10:21.

The question, on this occasion, concerns righteousness. Namely, what makes for sufficient righteousness to assure living forever? Jesus' first answer: Do what you already know to do - God's commandments. No murder, no adultery, no stealing, no lying, no cheating, do honor father and mother. Well, are those enough to get eternal life? Jesus' second answer: No, there's more. The Word of God calls people, all people, to a vigorous standard - righteous living. Nothing substitutes. So what rounds out righteousness? Jesus' further answer, on this occasion: Sell everything you've got. Give all that money away to poor people. (This enriches your sky bank account.) Is that enough? No. What more? Come. Follow me. Says Jesus.

We remind a brother or sister today that we have been completely forgiven through Jesus' complete righteousness, by grace. A grace that trains us to forgo ungodliness and to live righteously. And, together, we give thanks to Christ who purified us, fired up for good works.