Matthew 19:22. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”
HE WENT AWAY. Young and vigorous - He stands out among the crowd: clear-eyed in his prime of life. Full of the promise of days ahead filled with meaningful living and ambitions to be challenged – yet something inside tells him all is not well. Conscience speaks.
Rich and successful – Others look on with envy at one who has what they want but can never get. His name is known and mentioned in the highest circles. Life can hardly get any better with all one hopes for, claimed – yet deep inside an emptiness still remains. Discontentment speaks.
Polite and respectful – He knows how to approach those who are older. His words ooze with sounds of respect, and deference as he approaches the well-known Teacher-Healer. His manners are good, his words quite acceptable – yet deep inside something is wrong. Hypocrisy speaks.
Dignified and honorable – Heads turns as the well-clothed man walks with measured steps; quite aware that heads are turning and eyes are slanted his way. Upper-class with pedigree and station in life that is well-known – yet inside he hears a convicting voice. Uncertainty speaks.
Religious and thoughtful – He has tried all the traditions and laws. Outwardly all looks good. People can use him for an example. His devotion to the form and “the school-master” is well documented. But thoughts of the future disturb – eternal life is lacking. Eternity speaks.
Convicted and sorrowful –
He comes to the right Person – he hears the right things. The true verdict of his life is given. There is a lack in you that cannot be fixed by you. “Go and sell…come and follow Me,” and he knows inside what he needs – and goes away sorrowful. The Master speaks.
“O Righteous and Holy God: how grieving it must be to Thee, when one who should know better, chooses to lose what is forever, for things destined for the fire. Please give me the wisdom and courage to ‘Go…Sell…And follow Him,’- always. Amen.”