January 31
We draw two very important truths from the account of the rich young ruler:
One) For any of us to be truly fulfilled we must be disciples of Jesus. He alone is God’s provision for true happiness in life. When Jesus declared that He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6) He means that He is the only way, the only Source of absolute truth, and the only hope for living life to its fullest. The magnificence of this truth must sink deeply into our hearts and become the one great answer to our life’s concerns, passions, and pursuits.
Those who are truly intent on finding the fullness of life must yield their hearts and minds to the One True Master – and must pledge to walk, surrendered to Him, the rest of their days on this earth.
Two) In order to be a true disciple of Jesus, we must empty ourselves of every nuance of a self-sufficient mindset. Jesus taught us that the Kingdom of God is the possession of those who are “poor in spirit.” (Matthew 5:3) The primary emphasis of this thought is the notion that only those who have emptied themselves of all “riches” (i.e. whatever is trusted as a means of self-support and self-sufficiency) are able to receive the Kingdom of God.
This means that the God of all truth and glory only places the infinite riches of His Kingdom into empty hands. Our first act of loyalty to our new Master is an act of complete and utter surrender – a willing and single-minded devotion. Whatever might exist as an obstacle to keep us from living in the perpetual Presence of the Master must be laid aside. Jesus must become the sole Source of all that we need in life, and when He does, our lives take on an amazing fullness that cannot be known in any other way.