“Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:25-27 (NIV)
The Lord’s reference to the impossibility of a “rich” person entering into the Kingdom of God is an interesting comment. The context shows us that the Kingdom door was closed by the man’s tight grip on his riches. It was a common belief that riches and good health were a mark of God’s blessing and favor and his listeners could not believe Christ’s statement. They never for a moment thought that riches might keep one out of heaven.
Nothing and no one in this world can be trusted to get us into the Kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for any person to enter the kingdom of God. None of us can enter the Kingdom by our own ability. Each of us must trust God’s work at Calvary. Christ alone is the door to the Kingdom. Our trust in any other will fail us!
In response to his audience’s question: “Then, who can be saved?” Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Salvation is impossible for men and women to attain by human ingenuity and effort. God is the doorkeeper to his Kingdom. Each of us needs God to deliver us or to break the grip of sin in our lives. Only he can do that. Only God can instill the desire for freedom to the degree that we will trust in his Son alone.
This young rich man’s problem was not his riches. His problem was his trust in them. Yet, God will not budge on his entrance requirements. We must believe in his son or perish. The young man was asked to demonstrate his faith in God by giving up his riches. He refused to let them go.
Dear Father, thank you for the door into your Kingdom. Empower us with the desire, the hunger and thirst, for your Kingdom until we trust only in your Son Jesus Christ. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and trust in Christ,