Building Project

It is part of the human condition to want more than we have. This is the natural byproduct of the Fall and the resulting separation from God. Lacking God, we try to fill that void with human relationships and goods.

The parable of the Rich Young Ruler is a case in point. A man came to Jesus. Matthew tells us that this man was young. Luke records that the man was a ruler and both note his great wealth. He was the epitome of the 21st century man. Like a Silicon Valley nabob, he had money, youth and power. Yet, something was lacking. On the surface he had it all, yet there he was, coming to Jesus for spiritual advice. People like this only commune with other movers and shakers so it is not surprising that he came to Jesus who was at the zenith of His popularity. The man detailed his spiritual life but Christ, the living Word of God, could discern the man’s heart. Surprisingly, Mark records that Jesus said that the man lacked only one thing: “Jesus said to him, ‘One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” How ironic that Jesus said that the way for the man to become complete was to get rid of everything! One might imagine how a man who is used to having his way would react to such a statement. With his wealth gone his influence and power would follow. The world would become a markedly different place for him as a follower of Christ. As the song says, “Nobody knows you when you’re down and out!” Youth, power and wealth are a salve for an ache that will never go away apart from healing in Christ. Watchman Nee observed that God has no other answer for us than Christ Himself.

The man went away rich, young, powerful...and sad. The image of the rich and powerful being thwarted is so uncommon that we often miss the more important part of Jesus’ instruction: “come, follow me.” Those who espouse poverty as the route to glory miss the point. Poverty is not virtuous in itself. Renunciation of the world must be accompanied by embracing Christ. And though difficult, “all things are possible with God.” Please give to the Building Fund.