796. MAT 19:20. A NEW YEAR’S PERSONAL INQUIRY
Mat_19:20. a New Year’s Personal Inquiry
"What lack I yet?"’97Mat_19:20.
The case of the ruler, to which the text calls our attention, is one of very great interest and importance. The inquirer was a man possessing extensive moral qualities,’97one of general consistent demeanor,’97one who was earnest in his application,’97reverent towards Christ, and who called forth the affectionate regards of the Saviour towards him. See Mar_10:21. His errand was of vast, yea, of eternal moment. It related to eternal life,’97to the eternal life of his own soul. The glorious person to whom the application was made, "Jesus Christ,"’97the Great Teacher, the infallible guide of men into all truth, the only way to Father, &c. The conversation is given in full, Mar_10:16, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" The text is the second interrogation of the ruler to Jesus, "What lack I yet?" We remark,
I. There may be many excellences, and much that is amiable in man, without true religion.
Let us look at some of these particulars.
1. There may be general and extensive morality of character.
It was so with this ruler, and it is so in many cases. Equity in pecuniary transactions; truth and honor in the various movements of life; freedom from the gross vices of the times; general uprightness of character, &c. And all this is to be admired and commended, but yet it is not religion.
2. There may be exhibited many of the benevolent and social virtues.
Great paternal affection, conjugal fidelity, filial love and reverence. Men may be frank and generous, hospitable and beneficent, liberal and kind-hearted; and yet all this is not religion.
3. There may be correct knowledge and orthodoxy of creed.
Men by reading, and hearing, and studying theology, may be familiar with the great principles of Christian truth and doctrine. The mind may be tutored into an acquaintance with the glorious subjects of divine revelation; there may be no heterodoxy in the views and sentiments they hold with respect to the gospel; and yet this is not religion.
4. There may be respect for divine things, and reverence for divine ordinances.
How many there are who value the scriptures; fear an oath; respect God’s day; attend his sanctuary; and labor to maintain the institutions of divine worship. How many listen to the reading of the oracles of the living God, hear with interest the gospel, join in the praises, and assent to the prayer offered up; and yet all these do not constitute religion. Nicodemus doubtless went so far; Saul of Tarsus too; and thousands of the Pharisees. Is it not so with many of you?
II. There are various evils which keep men from being entirely the Saviour’s. With some,
1. There is self-complacency.
They are satisfied with themselves. They compare themselves with the wicked, or with inconsistent professors, or with backsliders from Christianity. They are ignorant of the extensive claims of the law, and their own hearts.
2. There is the esteem, and honor, and favor of the world.
Many live and toil to possess the world’s good name, and its breeze of fame and favor. Now this is the very antipodes of piety; this is the opposite of God’s favor; cannot pay court to the world and the church. How thousands are bound by the silken cords; yet, though silken, the cords of death. The man who rests his head on the lap of Delilah shall like Samson be shorn of moral strength, and be unfit for the service of God.
3. There is a fond craving and attachment to riches.
How many, like the inquirer of the text, allow riches to separate between them and Christ. Hence see Christ’s application of this case in the context. Mar_10:23. "Verily, I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." Some love riches for their own sake,’97to hoard them; a sordid spirit which sinks its victims lower than the fallen condition of demons. Others for the purpose of self elation, authority, and power; others for vanity and display; some to gratify their desires for the sensual pleasures of life. The love of riches and the love of God cannot dwell together. The love of riches and the love of our fellowmen are the opposite of each other. What a fearful snare! How many they have shipwrecked! How many drowned in perdition! How many shut out of heaven, and shut up in hell!
4. There is unwillingness to take up the cross and exercise self-denial.
Christ must be followed, Mar_10:21. But how can this be done, if we will not confess him or suffer reproach for his name? As Christ was despised and hated, and persecuted, how can we expect to escape? Then there is self-denial; mortify self, only seeking to please Christ, &c. "Lay aside every weight," &c. Taking up the cross and yoke of Jesus. We must "count all things but loss for the excellency," &c.
III. The inquiry of the text is one which is worthy of personal consideration.
"What lack I yet?" In order that the inquiry may be useful to you,
1. Ask the question as in Christ’s presence. He is the searcher of hearts. "His eye? are as a flame of fire." He knoweth all things. You cannot, therefore, act deceit fully before the Lord.
2. Ask the question with all possible seriousness.
It is indeed a very solemn matter, it has reference to eternal things. Eternal life and death are concerned. There can be no religion without deep seriousness.
3. Ask the question with perfect deference to God’s word.
No voice will speak; no spirit will appear; no miraculous reply. But God’s word will tell you what to do, and how to do it. It is the word of salvation. Let the word speak fully, and it alone. Repent and be converted, &c. Repent and believe the gospel, &c.
4. Confine the question to yourselves. What do I lack? Avoid curiosity about others; judge no man; leave every case to the righteous Lord. Religion is entirely personal in its essence.
5. Ask in a spirit of prayer and with a resolution to obey the answer.
Ask for the old paths and walk therein; hear and do the will; hearken and believe; learn and obey,’97and pray that you may have grace to do so.
Application
1. This question is suitable in all stages of the Christian life.
2. To all classes in the church of Christ.
3. It is the will of Christ that we should be perfect, lacking nothing.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS