What Do I Lack?

 

 

 Matthew 19:16-22

 The Rich and the Kingdom of God

¹⁶ Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

We have to admire the rich young man as he confesses that he keeps the basic commandments yet seeks to do MORE. Then when Jesus "lowers the boom" and tells him to sell all, give to the poor, and follow him, he realizes that this is too much and turns away. We might find ourselves asking what more we can do and hear someone wiser than we saying in the background, "Be careful for what you ask." Our fervor can get the best of us, or get us into a place we're not ready for as yet. If we want to do "more", then let us also ask for the grace to be able to follow through on our desire and be open and willing to do what God will ask of us. We're wading into deep waters, and cannot make it through on our own. Our desire is strong and worthy but our flesh is weak. We need God's help, grace, for every step of the way.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, I need your grace to follow you more closely. Help me not to turn away but do whatever you ask of me. Amen.