A Stumbler's Walk | WHICH ONES?

He said to him, "Which ones?" 

-- Matthew 19:18

It is certainly an odd question to ask. At face value it seems innocuous. But the question reveals a darkness beneath.

We've come to know him as The Rich Young Man or The Rich Young Ruler. The titles are fitting. Matthew must have known him, or known about him. The young man may have been a Somebody in the region.

His problem was not in his wealth; at least, not in his material wealth. His money and stuff simply revealed his soul. Treasure exposes the heart.

For where your treasure is, 

there your heart will be also.

-- Jesus, Matthew 6:21

We often ask strange questions when attempting to justify ourselves or compare ourselves. Our questions reveal angles of the soul that are out of square. We skew the questions in hopes of receiving answers that fit our preconceptions - about ourselves, about others, about God.

When the light of truth shines on us - and into us - however, we are revealed. We are exposed.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, 

but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 

-- Hebrews 4:12

The progression is telling: Jesus had said the reality of God's kingdom can only be experienced by the humbly childlike. Then the disciples attempt to turn away children (and those bringing them) from Jesus, thinking more important matters are at hand. Jesus again makes the point of the necessity of childlike humility and reliance. Finally, a self-important and self-reliant man comes to Jesus.

Man: "What do I need to do...?"
Jesus: "Keep the commandments."
Man: "Which ones?"
Jesus: "Yes."

This guy likes the idea of spiritual enlightenment. Heaven and eternal life are a draw. But he is the opposite of kid-ness. He has a lock on some aspects of spiritual life and thinks he can impress Jesus with that. (As - I'm guessing - he daftly impressed others.) But in the end he is exposed.

Being exposed by Jesus is not a bad thing. It is actually a gift of grace. And it is in these moments that character and destiny are forged - for better or worse.

The Rich Young Ruler would be remembered quite differently had he fallen on his knees and humbled himself. We would applaud and high-five as the curtain fell on this act of the play. Sadly, it wasn't so. His stuff had him. He made a decision in that moment. He decided once again where his true treasure lay. And locked away in that vault was a dying heart.

God, help me not to be that guy.

For now...
D