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Apr. 4, 2006 “17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother. 20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” Jesus was honest with this young man. He could have been the thirteenth disciple. The youth was missing only one criteria and he would not bend that to follow the Lord. This is the way of men. They believe they are doing right. They aren’t killing anyone or cursing anyone or bothering anyone. They have their lives and their families and they follow basic rules of civility. They do not break the laws of the land and they help the community where and when they can. They honor their parents and help them as they become infirmed or otherwise needy. They do not dishonor their marriages with adultery. They don’t lie to or cheat their acquaintances in any way. For millions of men it is not any written code that keeps them doing the right things. Many naturally do good to others and follow civil rules. Jesus told the young man he lacked only one thing. That one thing was a relationship with the Godhead. This is the message of the Gospel. The arms of the Lord are open and millions lack only the desire to be embraced by the Lord’s arms. What is that one thing you lack that keeps you from acknowledging God. You can make the argument all day long, and many do, that you are causing no harm and not breaking any laws. This is not enough and what is enough is a simple correction. In Jesus’ day and by his economy he wanted no display of earthly wealth to take away from his message. This youth could have followed the Lord as a disciple, but he would not surrender that which tied him to the world. He cared more to maintain his wealth and his prestige than to become meek and attentive to further guidance from Jesus. Wealth can be a barrier to faith. Pride too can keep men from God. The Pharisees who spoke with Jesus always believed themselves more intelligent with their questions and comments. Jesus always proved them wrong. He continues to prove men wrong in this age. ------------ Email Skip: skiptoomaloo@hotmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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