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Rich Young Ruler Lacked One Thing
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He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the advantages
his riches would bring. He desired eternal life, but the sacrifice
seemed too great; and he went away sorrowful, “for he had great
possessions.”
His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He
showed that riches were his idol. He loved the gifts of God more
than he loved the Giver. Christ had offered the young man fellowship
with Himself. “Follow Me,” He said. But the Saviour was not so
much to him as his own name among men or his possessions. To
give up the seen for the unseen was too great a risk. He refused
the offer of eternal life, and went away. Ever after the world was to
receive his worship. Thousands pass through this ordeal, weighing
Christ against the world; and many choose the world.
Christ’s dealing with the young man is presented as an object
lesson. God has given us the rule of conduct which His servants
must follow. It is obedience to His law, not merely a legal obedience,
but an obedience which enters into the life and is exemplified in the
character. Only those who will say, Lord, all I have and all I am is
Thine, will be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God. Think
of what it means to say No to Christ. The Saviour offers to share
with us the work God has given us to do. Only in this way can He
save us.
God entrusts men with means, talents, and opportunities, that
they may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He
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who uses his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a coworker
with the Saviour.
To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions and
have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up
all in order to follow Christ. But nothing short of obedience can be
accepted. Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ.
There is no other way to save man than to cut away those things
which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being.
When Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they
are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they
hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:23
. The joy of seeing souls
eternally saved is the reward of all who put their feet in the footprints
of Him who said, “Follow Me.”
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