Christian Living

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On that bright day when the rich young ruler approached Jesus, he must have walked proudly and confidently--he had so much going for him! He had lived an exemplary life, and he knew it. He may have come to Jesus seeking only approbation and compliments on a job well done. Nevertheless, to his credit, in spite of his accomplishments: authority, money, position all at a young age--he was very respectful of Jesus. He knelt before Him and addressed him as "Good Master" as he asked his all-important question: "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" As He always did, Jesus set the record straight before answering the question. "Why do you call me good? There is none good but God. You know the commandments." And he enumerated them. So far the test questions were easy, and the young man said, "Master, I have observed all of these from my youth."

And the Book says, "Jesus looking at him, loved him." What an appealing, winsome young person he must have been, kneeling there so eagerly! But the loving penetrating gaze of Jesus perceived a flaw. "You lack one thing," He said, "Go sell what you have; give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven and come, follow me."

The test is now getting harder. The young man's attitude toward his possessions stood between him and God. His accomplishments had made him proud and self-sufficient. Jesus perceived that this splendid young man had a fatal flaw. He may have obeyed the commandments, but he actually trusted and gloried in his possessions. They were actually who he was. They separated his soul from its God. He would have had to be willing to turn loose of all material things and trust only in the Savior ("Follow me."), in order to pass the test. Possessions would not have hindered him had he been willing to give them up and follow Jesus. Abraham did not have to sacrifice Isaac, but he had to be willing to. God will not settle for less than first place in man's allegiance. Anything less is idolatry and mocks God.

But sadly, the poor (rich) young ruler failed the test and declined the offer. Scripture says that he went away grieved, for he had great possessions. He chose that which perishes over that which is eternal. Dangerously wrong choice. From the prideful pedestal of his life he took an awful fall that day. And he came so close to passing the test. With the Savior he could have had it all. (Luke 10:17-22)

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