Camels, Needles, & Riches

Today, the parable of the rich man caught my attention. In our reading, this rich man appears to be a moral person who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He wants to make sure all the bases are covered. Although he has no true understanding of the righteousness needed for eternal life—the righteousness of Christ—he believes he has kept the law perfectly. Notice what Jesus says to him. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:21–22, KJV)

What a revelation this must have been for the rich man: his trust was in riches, not God—and yet, what a rejection of true riches for a wealthy man! Notice what Jesus says to His disciples about the rich: ... how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:23–25, KJV) As I thought about this, I was reminded of what Jesus said about the poor: And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20, KJV) 

Neither poverty nor riches are the keys to inheriting eternal life; eternal life comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, rich or poor. Yet riches can become a stumbling block to true wealth. As believers, let us not covet riches, for they can and do pierce people through with much sorrow. Instead, notice what Paul said to Timothy: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17–19, KJV)