“…but if thou will enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Jesus said unto him, If thou will be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me”(Matthew 19:17b and Matthew 19:21).
Matthew 19:17-22 gives the rest of the story of the rich young ruler. We find the answers he needed but sadly we see his response to what Jesus had to say. The ruler was ready for the first answer Jesus gave. He had kept the commandments since his youth. However, he wasn’t prepared in his heart to accept the second answer Jesus gave him. He had to have felt stunned by Jesus’ words. Like the young ruler, many people are willing to follow Jesus to a certain point. Then when they feel God is leading beyond that, they are reluctant to continue to obey His voice.
Jesus was aware of the young ruler’s wealth and how it would interfere with serving Him. His answers were given so the ruler could make a choice. Unfortunately, he went away sorrowful because he chose to value his wealth and possessions more.
If the ruler had just transferred his trust over to Jesus, He would have gained more than he would have given away. Salvation, blessings, and life eternal are more valuable than any amount of silver or gold.
Sue Winchester MissouriPRAY TOGETHER: Continue to remember the family of Rev. R. Eugene Waddell, former director of Foreign Missions, who lost his battle with cancer October 29, 2007.
