GOOD vs. GREAT“As it is,
the only name we know him as now is “the-rich-young-ruler.”
“Right up there with
“man-with-a-pitcher-
of-water-on-his-head.”
(Matt 19:16-30 & Mark 10:17-31)
“Another day, a man stopped Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
Jesus said, “Why do you question me about what’s good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he tells you.”
The man asked, “What in particular?”
Jesus said, “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you do yourself.”
The young man said, “I’ve done all that. What’s left?”
“If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.”
That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go.”
Matthew 19: 16-30 (The Message)
The greatest enemy of “great” is often “the good.”
Jesus told the rich young ruler, “One thing you lack.”
That remaining “thing” is whatever causes us to settle for the good… and miss the great.
Whatever it is that we hold back from trusting God with.
Jesus only specifically called 13 people to follow him: the 12 disciples… and the rich young ruler. Some theologians think he was to be Judas’ replacement.
But both Judas and the rich young ruler had the same problem – money.
Judas didn’t have it, but wanted it.
The rich young ruler had it, but feared losing it.
He could have been great.
If he had done what Jesus asked, we would have known his name.
He might have been up there with Peter and Andrew; but as it is, all we know him as now is “the rich-young-ruler.”
Right up there with “man-with-a-pitcher-of-water-on-his-head.”
DON’T HOLD BACK. We can trust Him with our lives.
GO FOR THE GREAT!
Thanks Pastor Tex for setting me thinking on this.