There's Only One Way To Heaven

By: J. P.s Inspirations

"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."......Matt. 19: 24.

We often hear the statement made that a rich man cannot enter heaven. Riches do not make a man evil, but the love of riches, or money, is the root of all evil. God's word tells us 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.

The Bible also tells us some covet after riches, err from the faith and pierce
themselves through with many sorrows. This is the danger of being covetous
and not seeking the Lord first of all.

When Jesus gave this example to those He was teaching, they all knew
what the "needle's eye" represented. Sometimes we read this passage
and think of the eye of a sewing needle and know it would be impossible
for a camel to go through this. Many base their thoughts that a rich man
cannot enter into heaven because of this, but Jesus only said that " a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." This meant it would be with great difficulty ,but it was still possible, as God is no respecter of persons, although He looks to those of a humble and contrite heart.. The needle's eye was a Jewish proverb which showed the difficulty or the near impossibility of the rich entering in heaven, but did not show it as an impossibility.

When Jesus spoke these words, He had been talking to a rich young ruler.
This man had keep the commandments, but was unwilling to sell his riches, give to the poor and follow Jesus. When he heard what Jesus said about riches and giving to the poor, he went away sad, because he had great possessions. Jesus knew where his heart was before He spoke a word, but tested his desire to follow him as the only way of entering heaven.

Many today walk away from Jesus because they treasure possessions more than the treasures of heaven. The Lord had told him He could have treasures in heaven, but earthly treasures meant more to him. He was not willing to humble himself which made it a difficulty and impossibility for Him to enter in. It would have been easier for the camel to
have struggled on his knees to get through the eye of the needle, than for this rich man to enter heaven, unless he repented and obeyed.

In order to realize what this parable represents, we must know what the needle's eye really referred to in Jewish thinking of that day. The gates around the City in Bible days served as a police system, as the thick walls kept out the enemy. One could only enter through the gates into the city and the gates were guarded so as to keep intruders out. In the large gates of the city walls were smaller narrow gates. It is said at night, the large gates
were closed, and only the small gates were open. Those returning would have to unload their camels and with great difficulty, the camel would have to enter through the needle's eye or the low and narrow gate, if it went inside the gates of the city.

For a camel to be able to enter through these gates, it would have to be unloaded of the burdens it was carrying, then get down on its knees to go through the smaller entrance. It was a struggle for them to squeeze through this narrow opening, and they could not do so while carrying the usual heavy loads of their owners. It is said the only way they could enter was on their knees.

It is the same way for the poor as for the rich. All men must willingly humble themselves before the Lord. One must give Him their heavy burdens of sin, be willing to lay aside earthly possessions, share with others, and bow their hearts to the one who is the gate and door. He is the only way to heaven and one must enter through the straight and narrow way. There is no other entrance, as the broad way leads to destruction.

May we always look to Jesus, who is the way, truth, and life. He is the only way. We must have a love for Him more than anything else in our lives. If one's earthly desire is to lay up riches on earth, they should think of the camel and the difficulty it would have getting through the eye of the needle. Looking to Jesus first, as we follow him, and enduring until the end gives us the assurance of Heaven.

Thanks to the Lord for being the "gate" through which we enter who gives freedom and eternal life. May we always bless Him with a heart of thanksgiving and love.

Blessings in Christ,

Jo Ann Kelly © 2008, 2002.
J. P.'s Inspirations
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact,
for non-profit ministering purposes

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