July 6, 2022

And He took [little children] up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them. Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:16-17

Jesus often engineers our circumstances in a specific way that will bring to the center of our attention the exact area of greatest need for the development of our characters. The “rich young ruler” had most likely heard the encounter with the small children (vs.13-15). As he saw the tender love that Jesus manifested as He received the babies and little ones that were brought to Him, he was deeply moved and recognized something powerful about the character of Jesus. The young man, with earnestness and sincerity, asked that most important question to the soul of every human being: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” v.21

This circumstance provided the wealthy young fellow with a clear view of the most urgently needed change. In His divine discernment, Jesus could see that the exalted position and riches would steadily exert a subtle influence for evil upon his character. What a privilege—if only we would choose to view it so—to come face to face with a flaw in the heart of our thinking. Any flaw is forgivable and correctable if we would only acknowledge the necessity of being in agreement with God. A heart that is willing to change in order to align with the will of God is immediately set on a righted course: that of restoration of His image in us. Isn’t that the goal of sanctification? Today, we so often underestimate the readiness of His Holy Spirit to come to our aid. This power is available as a gift to make the necessary changes in us.

But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. v.22

Having been offered treasure in heaven and the opportunity to become a disciple of Christ, his sad exit from the story revealed that riches were his idol. Even though he saw himself as a commandment-keeper (v.20), it would be impossible for him to keep the commandments of God while worldliness was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than the Giver. The focus was on what he could see rather than faith in the promise for the eternal future.

. . . while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18