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From Heaven With Love
He longed to see in him a humble and contrite heart, hiding its lack
in the perfection of Christ.
Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed in the work of
salvation. If he would place himself under Christ’s guidance, he
would be a power for good. Christ, seeing into his character, loved
him. Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler’s heart, for love
begets love. Jesus longed to see him a coworker with Him. He
longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to
the Master’s use. If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, how
different would have been his future!
“One thing thou lackest,” Jesus said. “Go and sell that thou hast,
and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and
come and follow Me.” Christ read the ruler’s heart. Only one thing
he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God
in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal. His whole
nature would become corrupted. That he might receive the love of
God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.
Christ called upon him to choose between heavenly treasure
and worldly greatness. Self must yield; his will must be given into
Christ’s control. The young ruler had the privilege of becoming a
coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure. But he must take up the
cross and follow the Saviour in the path of self-denial.
The choice was left with him. Jesus had shown him the plague
spot in his character. If he decided to follow Christ, he must turn
from his ambitious projects. With earnest, anxious longing, the
Saviour looked at the young man, hoping he would yield to the
invitation of the Spirit of God.
Christ’s words were words of wisdom, though they appeared
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severe. In accepting and obeying them was the ruler’s only hope
of salvation. His position and possessions were exerting a subtle
influence for evil on his character. If cherished, they would supplant
God in his affections.
Did Jesus Demand Too Much?
The ruler, quick to discern all that Christ’s words involved, be-
came sad. He was a member of the honored council of the Jews,
and Satan was tempting him with flattering prospects of the future.