Was There Nothing You Could DO, Son?

“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”
—Mark 10: 17-22

Some questions for the rich young, ruler…(whom the Lord loved).

Was There Nothing You Could DO, Son?

Did you leave that place rejected?
Were you shattered?...Were you torn?
Did you weep in desperation?
Were you saddened?...Did you mourn?

Were you humbled?...Devastated?
Were you broken?... Were you lost?
Was it all in preparation
To see Jesus on the Cross¹?

When you left the Master’s presence,
Did the tutor take control²?
Did you leave there “poor in spirit”?
Did the blessing soon unfold³?

Did the Author and Perfecter⁴
Show you idols deep within?
Did God’s Holy Law condemn you?
Was the curse⁵ then sinking in?

Was the seed of Truth implanted?
Was your heart plowed up in pain?
Did the Sower leave you mourning
Your deep-spreading crimson stain?

Did the darkness overwhelm you
As you walked away that day?
Did you leave there hopeless?...Helpless?
Was your sorrow on display?

Did The Law show you no mercy
When your guilt was brought to light?
Did you later on surrender?
Did you turn around…contrite⁶

Was the Lamb of God uncaring
When He showcased your disease?
Was He kind, or was He ruthless
When He brought you to your knees?

Were you stunned that day to silence?
Were you speechless in despair?
Were you just a dead man walking
When you walked away from there?

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

“But now…”
—Romans 3:19-21…

"But God so loved the world..."

¹ Romans 3:21-26

² Galatians 3:23-24

³ Matthew 5:3

⁴ Hebrews 12:2

⁵ Galatians 3:13

⁶ Psalm 51:17