Articles
Abiding with Jesus or Sad without Him?
In Western thought the rich ruler’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” might be thought of as an event, but the Greek indicates the concept of abiding. Perhaps it would be better asked, “How must I abide to inherit eternal life?” Jesus goes to the heart of what is separating this man from Him by getting him to address his love of material possessions. Once he has done that, then Jesus tells him to “come, follow me,” a continuous action to abide with Him (Luke 18:18-23). The song, “Abide with Me,” encourages us to take hold of the heavenly joys that could be ours:
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens: Lord with me abide! When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
I. Matthew 6:19-21. The rich ruler chose earth over eternity. Where our treasure is, there our heart is also. So, is yours in heaven or on earth? The rich ruler went away sad because he loved this world that is temporary and passing away (1 John 2:15-17). The hymn continues:
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!
II. James 1:13-15. The rich ruler chose sin over strength. The tempter tempts us from the evil desires within us, yes, but we each are guilty when we give into that temptation and sin. We choose our comfort in what pleases us rather than trusting in Jesus (John 14:1-6). The song speaks of this too:
I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Thro’ cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!
III. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. The rich ruler chose terror over triumph. We’re bound to have struggles in this life, but only through Jesus can we have victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). And only in an abiding relationship with Jesus can we truly know His love (John 17:14-23). Let us not, choose to be condemned with the world instead:
I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me!
For each of us, there may be something different that keeps us from abiding with Jesus. Let us not be like the rich ruler who was sad because he was unwilling to give up temporary treasure for a heavenly reward. As the song concludes:
Hold Thou thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
