Sewing with camels
It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” At this the disciples were completely amazed and asked one another, “Who, then, can be saved?” Jesus looked straight at them and answered,“This is impossible for human beings, but not for God; everything is possible for God.” Mark 10 : 25 - 27 (GNB) |
There are two distinct messages to this week's passage. Firstly that the love of money is a major handicap for those hoping to enter the 'pearly gates'. Secondly that even tasks that are completely impossible for us are a breeze for God.
Last time I checked, the eye of a needle is pretty small. You would have trouble threading an ant through, let alone a 600 kilogram camel! Chances are if you were to achieve this feat the animal would look a lot worse for wear after the ordeal!
So is this passage saying that having lots of money means that you will go to hell? I don't think so, but it is warning us to remember our priorities in life.
God wants to be our number one priority. The reason why you get up in the morning and do the things you do. He doesn't want to be bumped into second place by something as common as money!
There is no question that we need money. After all we all need food, warmth and shelter. It is good to have nice things. Also, working towards God's plan can sometimes involve getting and spending money.
Money becomes problematic when it becomes your ultimate aim. Don't let it become your god, your reason for being. Bits of paper and shiny coins have no power, they won't bring you contentment in this life and they definitely won't help in the next.
So finally let's look at the camel challenge again. Would you rather try and complete it with the help of God, the maker of the universe with infinite power and wisdom or with money. I know which one I would choose. Have a great week.
This weeks song is Made New by Lincoln Brewster. |
Header image by: erikf via Flickr