rich young rulers
“The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” (Matthew 19:20-22)
This was a young man with good intentions. Sure, he was a little arrogant, a little too full of himself. But to the best of his ability, he had kept God’s words. Yet, he left the presence of Jesus grieving. To follow Christ, the young man had to become poor. And that was too great an ask.
This is the story of my generation. We are all rich young rulers, building a brand to call our own, shoring up possessions and businesses and trophies to show the world how good we really are. We aren’t bad in essence - we essentially care for others, follow the law, do godly things that would make us role-models. What are we lacking, really?
It’s at the face of all this that Jesus comes and says: follow me. Come, give up all you treasure - your reputation, your accolades, your successes, whatever you treasure - and abandon it. Come, exchange a rich saturated life of self-sufficiency and become poor. Become empty. Become a follower. Become mine and mine alone.
No wonder we turn away and grieve. Here is the Gift of Life offering the gift of freedom from captivity, and we realise how dependant we are on the chains of this world. How everyday I build my life on the philosophies and voices of the world around me. How giving that up, giving up all I thought defines me, seems too high a cost. And I grieve. My heart grieves at how un-dependant I am on the words of Life. How my identity as a child of the Creator, a son who lives under the cover of grace, often isn’t enough.
Who can be saved then? That’s the most amazing part of the Message. That it was for precisely us, this generation of blind men, that Christ comes to redeem. To re-deem worthy. To re-deem loved. To re-deem free. That to be beloved by Him is all that matters.
I grieve over my own independence, but it opens the door for rescue. God is at work on the Impossible Mission. To take rich young rulers, and turn them into poor, joyous sons and daughters. That we would live so away from the world’s captive voices, but desire to hear the heart of our Father.
Oh God. I grieve. I’m rich, too dependant on successes, abilities, the world’s system. I’m in sin. Save me from myself Lord.
You said it was possible for men like me to find salvation. Come O Lord. I’m so scared to say this, but I trust you. Help me follow you with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, all my strength.
Amen.
