Matthew 19:16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
I know how God has worked on my heart over the course of my life. I know that rarely is any character flaw fixed the first time (as evidenced by the fact that I still struggle with worry and fear, even though God has been working on me in these areas for years. I’m better than I was but still not where He wants me). This rich man is pretty much dismissed in commentary, but what if this encounter is only the beginning?
Matthew 19:17 “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.”
Clearly, the man is seeking, asking, knocking (Matt 7:7). If he’s anything like me, he has to sit with things for a while, but if he continues to seek, ask, and knock, if he continues to bring these issues before God, examining them in light of new information, then it’s possible that “the word of God [that] is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Heb 4:12) will do its work, changing his heart and mind. I’ve seen this happen in my own life again and again as I meet with God each morning.
Matthew 19:18-19 “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, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Lord, Thank You for today’s insights into Your word. Thank You for a perspective that I had not considered before. Thank You that You are willing to leave the 99 to go after the one. Help us all to keep seeking, asking, knocking, to keep searching Your word, to draw closer to You. Amen.
Matthew 19:20“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Have a blessed day.