It would have been a great privilege to have lived in the time of Jesus and met Him in person. I am sure that many of us would have liked to have met with Jesus and spoken to Him. We would remember that occasion for the rest of our lives. We read of many people who met Jesus and went away completely transformed. Many were healed of illnesses. Most people who met Jesus went away happy. There is one man, though, who met Jesus but went away sad (Mark 10:22). This man was the rich, young ruler. What a privilege he had to stand face to face with the Son of God. Not only did he have his youth and money, but he had achieved great things in his life. However, he still felt that he was lacking something.

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION

The day they met, Jesus had to answer this question from the ruler, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 18:18. The man was rich, accomplished, noble, faithful to the moral and ceremonial law, and having “great possessions”. But yet he still felt like something was missing in his life. That question he asked is very important, not only for the purpose of questioning what lies beyond death, but for us personally in this life. The answer to this question would give us the ability to live, to sustain, and to overcome sin. It would also give us the ability to live a life of discipleship, service and worship in the final days of this earth’s history in which we live.

“The young man who asked this question was a ruler. He had great possessions, and occupied a position of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ manifested toward the children brought to Him; he saw how tenderly He received them, and took them up in His arms, and his heart kindled with love for the Saviour. He felt a desire to be His disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after Him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul and to the soul of every human being, ‘Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’” –The Desire of Ages p. 518

The question, “What must I do?” indicates the importance this young ruler puts upon man as though salvation depended on his works.

AN UNEXPECTED ANSWER

In reply to this question Jesus told him that obedience to the commandments of God was necessary if he would obtain eternal life. He then quoted several of the commandments which show man’s duty to his fellow men. The ruler’s answer was positive: “All these have I kept from my youth up.” Luke 18:21. The implication is, “what lack I yet?” Jesus replied, “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me.” Luke 18:22

“One thing thou lackest,” was an unexpected answer to this noble man. The ruler was a bit confused. He had faithfully followed all the religious rules and commandments —so he thought. He was wealthy, had influence, and enjoyed the respect of others. He had always considered himself blessed by God, so what Jesus said did not make any sense to him.

The disciples were also mystified by what Jesus said to this wealthy man. This man would have been a great blessing for the church they thought. They did not see he was lacking in anything, but, yet Jesus could see he was. What if Jesus would say to us that there is one thing we lack, one more thing to surrender, would it seem strange to us as well? Do we think we lack anything?

The achievement of money, success and fame are not evil in themselves. They all can be used for good. Such success may bring you worldwide acceptance, but what about acceptance with God? Only one thing the ruler lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in his soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove his downfall; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. In order to receive the love of God, his love of self must be surrendered.

THREE INSTRUCTIONS

Although he lacked in one thing, in His answer Jesus gave the ruler three instructions: 1) sell all that you have; 2) give it to the poor; 3) follow Me. These three can be summed up by saying: “You must detach yourself from your possessions and attach yourself to Christ.” When Jesus said, “You lack one thing; therefore reach out and take My hands.” To take the hand of Jesus means that you have removed your hands from your earthly treasures.

Money, fame, and success, selfishly obtained, will not gain you God’s acceptance or satisfy your soul.  Personal success will not satisfy without Christ. The apostle Paul stated, “what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:7–8. You can have everything this life has to offer, but without Jesus, you still lack the one thing that matters the most. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Christ’s words to the ruler were an invitation to, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and then with deep interest He watched while the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in detail.

Matthew was also a wealthy man. It is written that when Jesus “saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed Him.” Matthew 9:9. There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of his wealthy life being now exchanged for a life of poverty and hardship. It was enough for him to be with Jesus; to listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work.

EXAMINE YOURSELVES

Because Jesus loves us He tells us about the danger we are in. He has given us warnings that we are to heed. These warnings are to help us remain faithful during the final days of this earth’s history so that we will not be deceived. The apostle Paul counsels us to: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5. And Peter writes: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10

No matter what your past life has been like, Jesus loves you and keeps challenging you in one more area in your life. He may say to you everything is good, except—there is one thing you still lack.

We should make every effort to add to our faith. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5–7

We may be justified, but we are still in the process of sanctification.

Every day we are to ask the Lord if there is something we are still lacking. We should pray as did David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23–24

The apostle Paul said, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12–14

IMPORTANCE OF LITTLE THINGS

The most deadly animal in the world is not the lion, the tiger, or the bear. It is one of the smallest insects–the mosquito. This tiny

insect causes the death of more than 1 million people every year, mostly from malaria.

Likewise, little things can make a big difference in God’s kingdom, as well. To the rich young ruler Jesus mentioned the one thing that came between him and God. He considered his wealth his own.

Jesus may point out to us small areas in our lives that come between us and God. “One thing you lack,” is a warning not just for the ruler but for us also. We must be humble enough to listen to God’s voice, so we can continue to grow closer to Christ and His kingdom.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. We all may lack something, and need to rely on God’s grace and forgiveness to overcome sin. We are saved by grace, and by grace we will be sanctified—transformed. We do not remain in the same place, but we are to “grow in grace.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 519

Christ gave this man a test, asking him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness.

The ruler was asked to give up the very thing he was relying on to survive on this earth—his own wealth. The heavenly treasure was promised him if he would follow Christ. But, he must give up his earthly treasure—yield himself to Christ and trust God to provide for him.  It may seem like a large ask for him to give up all his massive possessions, however, it was not really the man’s possessions that the Lord was after because He owns, “the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10. It was the man’s heart and his attitude towards his riches. They were his own, obtained by his own efforts to be used for himself. The man was selfish. He had no thought for the poor and possibly harboured the common thinking of the priests and rulers at the time that the poor were cursed by God and did not deserve any help.

We are not necessarily required to do what Jesus asked the rich young ruler to do. Everyone has some sin or inherited tendency to wrong that God wants to help them overcome. While some things may seem small to us, even one small sin cherished will keep us out of heaven, whether it be a word, a thought, a motive, or an attitude. No sin can enter heaven.

No matter how far you have grown in your spiritual life, you will still not have fully attained until Jesus comes. “The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in distinct contrast with His perfect character. Be not discouraged; this is an evidence that Satan’s delusions are losing their power, that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you, and that your indifference and ignorance are passing away.” –The Bible Echo, December 1, 1892

LOVING THE GIFTS MORE THAN THE GIVER

Take care to make sure your treasure will be in heaven.

This young man wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the temporal advantages his riches would bring him. He was very sad when he heard the words of Jesus. He longed for eternal life, but he was not willing to make the sacrifice of giving up his earthly treasure. The cost of eternal life 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 could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than he loved the Giver.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 522. Christ had offered the young man fellowship with Himself. He said, ‘Follow Me,’ But, sadly, the Saviour was less important to him than his earthly possessions. To give up his earthly treasure, that was seen, for the heavenly treasure, that was unseen, was too great a risk. He refused the offer of eternal life, and went away sorrowful.

He was not as close to God as he thought he was. Although he thought he was obeying all the commandments, his heart was still far from the Lord. He had worldly wealth, and in his heart he was not giving first place to God. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Even though he had kept most of the commandments, the ruler violated the first commandment, “Thou shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3.  We read, “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

Some Christians may say, “I’m not rich, so this does not apply to me.” Jesus’ command to the ruler does not only apply to money. The one thing in which we are lacking may be something else. We may be lacking in some virtue. We may be proud or selfish or lustful and thus lacking in humility or purity of heart.

It may not be wealth, but it may be some other idol that you are not willing to give up. “Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We cannot be half the Lord’s and half the world’s. We are not God’s children unless we are such entirely.” –The Faith I Live By, p. 154

If there is one thing we lack, that one thing will keep us out of heaven.

The Lord wants us to overcome in every area of our lives. Our spiritual as well as our material lives are to be given to His keeping.

Sometimes, people do know the one point in which they are lacking or need to grow in. They are not blind to themselves. The Lord is challenging them to turn away from that one thing. Those who do respond to Jesus’ challenge, the promise is that they will have “treasure in heaven.” Mark 10:21. Jesus wants only what is best for us and if we answer His call and give up that one thing, whatever it may be, we will find that it will bring us only happiness. We will want to do whatever the Lord asks of us, and follow Him so that we may have treasure in heaven. Sadly, “thousands are passing through this ordeal, weighing Christ against the world; and many choose the world. Like the young ruler, they turn from the Savior, saying in their hearts, I will not have this Man as my leader.”  –The Desire of Ages, p. 520

“Christ’s dealing with the young man is presented as an object lesson. God has given us the rule of conduct which every one of 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. God has set His own standard of character for all who would become subjects of His kingdom. Only those who will become co-workers with Christ, only those who will say, Lord, all I have and all I am is Thine, will be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God. All should consider what it means to desire heaven, and yet to turn away because of the conditions laid down. Think of what it means to say ‘No’ to Christ. The ruler said, No, I cannot give You all. Do we say the same? The Saviour offers to share with us the work God has given us to do. He offers to use the means God has given us, to carry forward His work in the world. Only in this way can He save us.

“The ruler’s possessions were entrusted to him that he might prove himself a faithful steward; he was to dispense these goods for the blessing of those in need. So God now entrusts men with means, with talents and opportunities, that they may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He who uses his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co-worker with the Saviour. He wins souls to Christ, because he is a representative of His character. . . .

“When Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ ‘Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Matthew 25:23; Hebrews 12:2. The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, ‘Follow Me.’” –The Desire of Ages, p. 523

There are those who, like the young ruler, think it is too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ. But, nothing short of perfect obedience will be accepted. Self-surrender is the key-note of the teachings of Christ. At times the message may be presented in language that seems authoritative, because sometimes there is no other way to save man.  “Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.” Jude 1:23

God owns everything, including our time and money. He has given us His law, by which we will be judged. We should not be weary in giving to Him; He gives all to us. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. If we honour God, He will honour us. He blesses us that we may bless others. If we are faithful in giving unselfishly, He will “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10

Life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions; “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7

It is my prayer that we all would be willing to give up that one thing we may lack, when Jesus points it out to us. Nothing in this world is worth anything compared to the eternal riches promised to us in heaven. May God help us to reach out for that which is of more value than what money can buy—riches of grace, love, peace and eternal joy. Amen.

Victor Shumbusho

DR Congo