A Reminder: Easier For The Camel
- Linda A. Knowles
- Jan 11, 2019
- 3 min read
The camel has an easier time going through the eye of a needle than a heart and mind consumed by the things of this world. …and that is what happened with the Rich Young Ruler. “Someone came to Jesus with this question: ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.’ ‘Which ones?’ the man asked. And Jesus replied: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’ Jesus told him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'” –Matthew 19:16-24 Materialism, wealth, power, vain ambition… Things of this world, if we let them, can cloud our vision and take over our thinking to the point where they become idols replacing God and taking God's rightful place in our lives. The Rich Young Ruler had many possessions, not wanting to give them up when Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Nothing should ever take God’s rightful place in our lives. Seek Him always, and seek Him first. Is there something you have to give up? Is there something God wants you to do? Then let God be first in your life, and do not resist the call of the Holy Spirit. King David said it best in Psalm 139: 23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Submit to God today. Whatever it is that has replaced God in your life, turn it over to Him and let Him put you back on the right path again, letting Him be the One who directs your path.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all praise, worthy of having first place in my life, and You, O God, do not deserve my leftovers. Forgive me for putting other things before You. Forgive me for neglecting much needed time with You. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence. I humbly throw myself on Your mercy, trusting You, as I cry out to You for forgiveness, that You have forgiven me. I give you back first place in my life. Take up the throne of my life and make it Yours. Help me to remember without You, I can do nothing. I submit my will to You as I take up Your will to do as You would have me to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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