The Green Forest tribune., 1914-06-19

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 The story of this rich young ruler is one out of the ministry of our Lord that has made an indelible impression throughout every succeeding genera ton. This is so because it is so vital, vibrant and vivid a revelation of our everyday experience. The lesson nat urally divides itself into two sections. Read carefully the parallel accounts; Matt 19: :16-3O and Luke 1S:1S-30.
 Man of Courage.
 !. An Eager Young Man, w. 17-22. This man is an arresting figure. Much may be said in his favor: CD He was young (Matt. 19:22l; CD He was in earnest. "came running" (v. ID; (3) He was educated, "a lawyer" Luke 1918; (4 He was rich. Mark 1922 f5) He was loved by Jesus, Mark 10: 21 That he had lived a clean life is revealed by the answers he made to Jesus. Moreover he must have been man of some courage, belonging as he did to the ruling class, the Phari- sees, yet he came running into the presence of Jesus and cast himself at his feet. We need but to recall that this class was at this time definitely hostile to Christ, yet this young man dared to speak the conviction of his heart in this public way by calling Jesus. good" We feel that he was an honest seeker after life. His question reveals the unrest of the human heart. It matters not what men may possess of wealth or position, these things do not bring heart rest. Great moral courage, noble aspirations and benevo- lence never will save nor fully satisfy the human soul Man does not obtain life by doing, Gal. 2:16 Life is gift. Rom 6:23 We must not misunder- stand the reply of Jesus (v. 18). Jesus did not deny being good. John S:46; 1430; 8:29, but he saw that this young man was filled with the idea of his own goodness. To say that Jesus was good was practically to say he was God. and this the young man did not mean. Jesus sought to reveal to him his careless use of words. Jesus undoubtedly here lays claim to deity and subsequently, he said, (v. 21) "fol- low me-" i. e., for this man to yield his life actually to the control of God Jesus began where the young man lived, within the law the spirit of which is "do and thou shalt live" but he quickly revealed to this self-confi- dent one that thon' sed "all
 ese things --+ he was mistake l5q u!B49a oI ,5IqB 4o1elf- deceived. So @Ia 4s9IP s..nfesst3 made a correct interpretation of his own need but the skilful teacher revealed to him his one great lack. His life was not really controlled by God and at once Jesus created an opportunity for him to yield himself to a life of wholehearted service. He touched the vital spot for the supreme test in the way of allowing God to rule was to set aside the rule of wealth, position, and selfshness.
 Last week we were taught to make nri.hteousness; that when it shall fall they may receive you into the eter- nal tabernacles." This is exactly what Christ told this young man to do. Sell " give to the poor" By thus using he would store up treasure in heaven That he could not stand the test Is evident from V. 22. However, beyond this simple record we can only speculate. We trust, however, that his sorrow may have been that which "worketh repentance" II Cor. 7:10. This much is certain: Jesus presented to him his greatest opportunity. Two paths were opened before him, one straight and narrow, and one broad end easy to follow. Which did he take? His one lack may have been fatal.