The Camel and the Needle's Eye

[WISDOM]

What was our LORD actually saying, when HE said, "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of GOD"?

Through the years I've come across various interpretations to this statement.  When I first heard the explanation that the "needle's eye" was the name of a certain type of gate known to people in the Holy Land, I wondered whether this actually was what JESUS referred to or whether this was a fanciful modern interpretation of Scripture to take some of the bluntness away from JESUS' statement and to make it more palatable to rich people (just being honest).  But the question was settled in my mind years later after sitting down in a Christian workshop, and talking to a missionary who had lived in the Middle East for a great many years.

I had read about the smaller gates beside the large city gates of ancient cities.  He explained to me that this smaller gate was what was known as the "needle's eye".  They were made to allow travelers to enter or leave a city at night when the main gates were barred fast and could not be opened, except by special permit from the head man of the city.

Our LORD had been speaking to the rich young ruler who wanted to enter the Kingdom of GOD, but was unwilling to loosen his grip on worldly wealth and material possessions.  JESUS had told him that he lacked one thing:  "Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and COME, FOLLOW ME" (verse 22).

When the young man heard this, "He was very sorrowful: for he was very rich" (verse 23).  Our LORD then sadly added the comment, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of GOD!  For it is easier for a camel to go through A NEEDLE'S EYE, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of GOD" (verse 25).

Picture the metaphor JESUS used.  Camels loaded with sacks of grain, wood, charcoal, or other commodities entered the city daily.  If a merchant should happen to arrive in the evening AFTER the main gates of the city were closed, the only way he and his beast could possibly enter would be for the camel to be unloaded of ALL of its baggage and made to kneel and literally crawl through the small, low door or "needle's eye" on its knees.....stripped bare and down on its knees!  

The clear implication is that a wealthy man, in order to become a Christian, must be ready to let go of his material wealth and humble himself to the level of a poverty-stricken sinner at the feet of our LORD.  Just ask Abraham....Solomon......etc.   The rich young man would not do this; hence, he could not enter.  Let me tell you something....NOTHING is too hard for our FATHER to achieve in a human soul.  When men are at a loss, GOD is not.  Many a rich man has met the terms of CHRIST and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven bereft of all dependence on material assets and humbly kneeling at the foot of the Cross.

A good New Testament example is Zaccheus.  This man gloriously released his grasp on wealth and material assets (Luke 19:1-10),  relieved himself of the burden of a guilty conscience, and humbly REPENTED of his sinful life to join the fellowship of JESUS CHRIST, HIS SAVIOUR and MASTER.  I love this illustration....the HOLY SPIRIT is such a patient, divine TEACHER.

[Catsmeow]

I started out poor and in debt. Then the Lord brought me through that to the land of "Even"... then I spent what I did have to give glory and honor to God. He took whatever I offered Him.

As time passed, I showed willingness to give whatever I had...clothing, car, money...anything I had to a brother or sister in need, even if I still needed the same.

When God sees our willingness to sacrifice what we need for ourselves, it seems He positions us for abundant blessing.

But then you have a new challenge...not to let the riches God entrusts into your care to become an idol.

You think you'll never do that because you've already proved yourself. Then you find out that Satan may flee but only for a season. He comes back at a more opportune time to check out your flesh again.

You can always slip and fall, less you keep a strong and transparent relationship with the Lord and confess immediately the temptations we're struggling with. Once we face our weakness, He can help us overcome them.

[Dad Ernie]

Hey folks,

Two great posts, two posts of Wisdom. You two aren't married are you?  

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Catsmeow]

*grin*    DE:

I'm a newlywed. Married my sweetie about a year ago...and he's a great guy. I like to tease those poor singles on the singles thread. I give them all a hard time but they don't seem to mind....

[martyr]

Great post wisdom.  It kind of contradicts the prosperity theologians and the name-it-and-claim-it crowd.

Certainly, their are monetarily wealthy Christians.  To them it must be reminded, "to whom much is given, much is demanded."

[Catsmeow]

Martyr: Right on!!! :thumb:  You got that totally right!

I have always known that when God blessed me He also expects much out of me. I agree wholeheartedly.

It is absolutely wrong to hoard what God gives us. When we are blessed, we are blessed to share our blessing with others.

[WISDOM]

Thanks DE....GOD is good in teaching us all valuable life impacting lessons, isn't HE?

Cat and Martyr....both unfortunate and fortunate, huh?  Unfortunate because there are so many who are buying into the "prosperity gospel", not truly understanding by it what the true Kingdom of GOD is about and what our FATHER demands first (Matthew 6:24-34).

Fortunate because the "map" to true riches sits on many of their coffee tables, televisions, night stands, etc (even in hotel/motel rooms) and has all the answers to a spiritual life of wealth far beyond their wildest imaginations. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 :thumb: