“And again I say unto you, 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. When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matt.19: 24-26
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
If you don’t have a lot of money, these verses may make you feel better. If you are not “sweating out” this economy, then you might “sweat through” these scriptures.
Why do you think Jesus said it would be hard for a wealthy man to get into heaven? It is not because God loves the poor man any more than He loves the wealthy one. Remember, God created them both! So, what gives? Why do these verses seem like God is playing favorites here?
Perhaps it is the other way around. How many rich men love their wealth and status more than God Himself? (Are you “feeling me” here?) How many well-to-do friends of yours take the time to seek God, rather than search the stock-market? How many t-times and power-lunches are cancelled because the boss has his priorities straight and has extended a meeting with his “Boss” (God)?
Many people that are in unfortunate circumstances and life situations lean on God because—they need him. Without God, they have no hope.
The fact of the matter is, we ALL need God, whether we realize it or not. There will come a day when that rich man cannot cure his cancer, buy his way out of a lawsuit, or build a shelter for his family life that is exploding from the inside out. But, I find solace in that last verse, Matt 19:26: “But with God all things are possible.”
Do you see that man in the Armani suit (with the Barbie wife and the best seat in the nicest restaurant in town)? Pray for him. He needs God more than he might ever be willing to admit.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
After five minutes of watching the Kardashians, I feel like a total loser because I did not run out to update my “lounging sweatpants”. Wow. Just hearing myself say that makes me stop to appreciate how fortunate I really am. In a world where there are millions dying from disease and poverty, I have caught myself complaining about the temperature not being “perfect” before I go to sleep night. What a wake-up call. According to most of the world, I AM wealthy. Lord, I ask that you wake America up. We are the ones that this verse is speaking about! We are one of the most wealthy and blessed nations and unless we ask God for the miracle of true spiritual sight and wisdom, we will not be the ones who will make it to your kingdom. What a shame to live (and suffer sometimes) a lifespan on this earth, only to reach eternity with a fate much worse than cronic back pain. Lord, I pray over all of us who have gotten way too comfortable in where we stand with you. I ask for the fire of God to consume our “excuses” and “rationalizations” for not having the right priorities. We need wisdom, more than we ever have. We need mercy more than any other nation, because in our blessings, we have also become a nation that is comfortable not including you and by doing this; we have (unknowingly) put ourselves under the greatest curse of all: Spiritual blindness. If we cannot see how important you are, than we simply cannot see. Open our eyes in the name of Jesus and pour out your mercy so we can receive the miracle of you, Amen.”