What Do I Lack?

What do I lack? (Matthew 19:20)

Mt. 19:16-26; Mt. 6:20, 23; Ps. 52:7; Lk. 12:31-34; Phil 4:19; 1 Tim. 6:17

What Is God Saying?

The rich young ruler came to Jesus with this question. He had everything going for him. He led a respectable life. He kept the commandments. He was well-liked. Mark indicates that ‘Jesus looked on him and immediately loved him.’ Through wise handling of his funds and inheritance, he had become wealthy. He was comfortable with himself and with his possessions. He had no lack of material or moral stability, but Jesus saw through the facade. He who seemed to lack nothing had, in fact, one serious lack. He had lots of possessions, or (more accurately) his possessions had him. His treasures on earth closed his eyes to the treasures of Heaven and the true treasures of this life. His attachment to things kept him from fully following Jesus.

In Jerusalem, next to the larger city gate, there is a small pedestrian gate called The Eye of the Needle. Like a fully loaded camel trying to get through a gate intended for those on foot, it is hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus touched a nerve. The young man was unable to set the treasures of Heaven above the trinkets of earth.

How Does This Apply To Us?

That was his lack. What is ours? What are we holding onto as the young ruler held on to his possessions? Being open to the Spirit of God through prayer and the reading of the Word, we can find the lack. Jesus can touch us, just as he did the young ruler. Let us not go away with sorrow, unwilling to deal with the lack. Let him help us find what is lacking. Then let him help us walk with him on a new road of service and blessing.

Pray With Me

Father, how can I ask, ‘What do I still lack?’ And there is a lack. It is not because of you. It is my responsibility. It rises from my own heart. The fullness is yours. The lack is mine.

Gracious God, show me what I still lack. Give of all that is perfect, supply what is lacking. For the weeds of revenge and discontent, give the flowers of forgiveness, peace, and the beauty of holiness; for a restless, covetous spirit, provide a clear vision of the riches that are found only in you.

In His name, through whom the Father has promised to supply all our needs. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

Our Lord can remedy the lack in our lives if we are willing to bring everything to him in prayer. ‘My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory’ (Phil. 4:19).