“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.” (Luke 18:23 KJV).
It is hard for us to grasp what’s in this rich young ruler’s heart when he asks the Lord - what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:28). We can just surmise based on how the interaction unfolded and by his reaction when the Lord told him what to do. As one of those who rely on self effort to work for justification and salvation by trying hard to observe the law, this rich young ruler expected an applause and commendation for his perceived accomplishments. He’s not seeking the key for inheriting eternal life. He seeks fleeting instant gratification for his best but failing effort.
In this passage, we see that sorrow is the unavoidable outcome when a person trusts in her/his own efforts and the material things he possessed. It leads to the realization that they cannot keep God's standard on their own efforts and by their possessions. The Lord’s instruction to sell all that he has was intended to bring him to the end of himself, showing him that what he would gain by following our Lord Jesus Christ far outweighs what he would physically lose. In fact, by losing the material things and other worldly paraphernalia, as he follows our Lord’s command, he not only gains eternal life, but treasures in heaven, as well. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
