1/12/10

Goodness, needles and money

No, I do not know how this is done. Looks very difficult, but not impossible (since it is being done). Think about the last time you tried to even thread a needle, much less trying to put something abnormal through it. Jesus talks about needles with someone who just could not see his way to even trying.

Mark 10:17-27 WEB (R)
(17) As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"
(18) Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one-God.
(19) You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and mother.' "
(20) He said to him, "Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth."
(21) Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."
(22) But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.
(23) Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!"
(24) The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, "Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!
(25) 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."
(26) They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, "Then who can be saved?"
(27) Jesus, looking at them, said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God."

Money can be both a blessing and a trap. Blessing in that our needs can be supplied and a trap if we trust in it instead of God. By almost any standard the man who came to Jesus was a good man, good enough to be LOVED by Jesus. Yet, inside he trusted in his possessions instead of God and that was a big problem. Not only for him, but for the disciples as well. Even though the disciples (learners) didn't have much in the way of money, still they were amazed to the point of wondering if anyone could be saved at all! What they did not realize was that those who view money as a tool to serve God rather than an obsession to be acquired, stand a very good chance of performing the impossible. If the heart is right with God, then money is NOT AN OBSTACLE, rather a blessing for others beside themselves. I can see that smoke could go through the eye of a needle, but a camel? Will have to get back to you on that one...