An adult camel weighs close to 1,000 pounds. Imagine trying to stuff that bulk inside the tiny eye of a sewing needle! Seems impossible.
Jesus used this imagery in a parable when a rich man approached, wanting to know how to get eternal life.
Their conversation revolved around rules. Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21 NIV)
Hearing this, the wealthy man left with sorrow. We don’t know the end of the story. Did the man give up worldly possessions to earn heavenly ones?
Watching the man walk away, Jesus said to the disciples, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24 NIV).
With lots of money at their disposal, well-to-do folks may feel they have less need of the Lord. The affluent can exercise control over assets, which may make seeking God take second place.
But this scripture doesn’t mean rich people are excluded from heaven. There are many Bible passages about diligent servants being rewarded for their obedience (Matthew 25:29 and Luke 19:11-26 NIV).
Boaz, Job, David, Solomon and Lydia were blessed with great material wealth for their faithfulness. They were humble, and their obedience resulted in abundance. We have the same opportunity when we travel through the narrow gate of surrender. Possessions aren’t ours. They only are tools for a time to help others.
“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29 NIV).
There’s nothing wrong with being prosperous or popular—unless those gifts take our eyes off the prize of Jesus Christ. He is our eternal treasure.
Short devotional videos by Tracy can be viewed at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDw7sd3uBBg
Bible Resource:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/mat/19/16/s_948016
(Thanks to Pixabay and LoggaWiggler for the camel photograph.)
