NOTES for Mat 19:16-26
This conversation strips away all exalted sentiment. “Oh, I have already fulfilled all the commandments. Oh Lord, how wonderful You are; what could I do for You? Just tell me—I am ready for anything.” When we remain in such a mood, we forget that God is a wholly unsuitable partner for the game “ask for anything you like, just not that.” He always offers His own option, and there is no guarantee that His proposal will suit us. It may grieve us, offend us, and show us where we actually are. And if we are capable of seeing, it may also let us understand where we ought to be. When we ask God what we should do for Him, we must understand that God is free. It is absurd to judge Him by ourselves. He does not deceive Himself, and He does not deceive us. In His mercy He does not show us everything He sees in us, but teaches us gradually and carefully. When we tell Him, “I am ready for anything,” we must be ready for Him to ask for everything, without exception, without remainder, to the very end.