"And when He was gone forth in 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" (Mark 10:17,18).

Scripture testifies of Jesus that "He was the true Light, that, coming into the world, lightens every man." In the narrative above quoted, of the young ruler coming to Jesus, we have examples of this. The Teacher whose fame had spread throughout the land had come near, and the honorable young ruler sees in it his opportunity to have the good hopes he entertained in regard to his good life, and of acceptance with God, confirmed. With eager hope he comes "running" to meet the Great Teacher; he kneels before Him and reverently addresses Him as "Good Master."

But the Light shines, and before answering the propounded question, the "Good Master" asks, "Why callest thou Me good?-there is none good but one, that is God." What are the young ruler's thoughts as to Christ? and who indeed could authoritatively answer this all-important question but He who is God? The importance and seriousness of a true answer must have been deepened in the young man's soul by the Lord's remark. But this man had not been taught of the Father as Peter had been, for he answers nothing to the Lord's remark, while Peter fervently answers, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matt. 16:16). Can my reader answer from the depth of his heart as Peter did?

Oh, how many speak of "The Master," and call Him "good" also, whose hearts refuse to acknowledge that, "none is good but One," and that of His mercy alone, through faith in the one Sacrifice upon the cross, eternal life is secured as "the gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). Yea, how many, like our young ruler, deceive themselves with outward forms of religion or certain forms of religious duties, but remain utter strangers to what Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

The Lord then proceeds to answer the young ruler's question. His beautiful life, in outward accord with the second table of the law which refers to conduct toward our fellow men, was well known to Him who knows us better far than we know ourselves; and it is acknowledged thus far by this word, "Jesus beholding him loved him." A clean, upright life is not overlooked, but commended, by the Lord, and honored by man's conscience.

But the veil must be rent from the eyes of him that deceives himself with a few outward good deeds by which, like Adam's fig leaf apron, he would hide his nakedness from God. So, "If thou wouldst be perfect," says the Lord (and nothing but what is perfect can enter God's holy dwelling), "go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor"- the neighbor whom the law says "thou shalt love as thyself"-then "Come, take up the cross" that the world puts upon My followers. The Light again has shone upon the self-complacent young man; his external beautiful life is blasted in the presence of the Light, and he who had run to meet the "Good Master" "went away grieved, for he had great possessions."

Lord, give us also to learn our lesson from this young ruler in the presence of the Light.