Article April 23, 1938 Issue

The Joy of Distribution

KATHERINE ENGLISH

In the Gospel of Mark is given a vivid picture of the meeting of two young men on a road in Judea. We are told that once as Jesus went "forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him," as to his superior, although he was a ruler and considered to be a person of importance. "Good Master," he asked, "what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Before answering, Jesus inquired, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." Then Jesus reminded his inquirer of the commandments in which both had been brought up, and we read that "Jesus beholding him loved him" and told him of the one thing lacking, and how to supply it: "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." But the poor "rich man" was sad at that saying, and "went away grieved: for he had great possessions."

What a contrast between those two young men! The rich young ruler eagerly kneeling before him who had not "where to lay his head," and yet was rich in the substance of Spirit! Was it not Jesus who was, in fact, the rich young ruler? He had dominion over self, over sin, sickness, and death. No sense of lack or limitation troubled his consciousness. Where others saw lack, he beheld plenty. It was to Jesus that the hungering multitudes came. He had so much to give—sight to the blind, feet to the lame, instruction to the humble, rebuke to the sinner, forgiveness to the penitent, love and compassion for all.

The young ruler felt a harassing sense of lack. Though he had all that money could buy, a good education and good morals, he was not happy or content. "What lack I yet?" Why this haunting sense of dissatisfaction? Perhaps Jesus, loving him, saw that he was trying to serve two masters. Perhaps he detected selfishness, pride, or acquisitiveness, and therefore bade him taste the joy of distribution, leave behind the great possessions which were causing him so much care and responsibility, to find instead real and abiding treasure, to share the things of Spirit.

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"Unselfed love"
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