The Eye of a Needle
Jesus said, "What is impossible for mortals is possible for God."
-Luke 18:27 (NRSV)
ON a tour of Israel, my husband and I were led through a passageway that is called the "Eye of the Needle." It is an alley so narrow in some places that we had to walk sideways to get through. I began to see a picture of what Jesus might have meant when he spoke to the rich young ruler about a camel going through the eye of a needle. In order for the animal to pass through the narrow alley, all burdens adding to the width of the camel had to be removed.Camels are very stubborn animals. I identified with the camel. I had become a stubborn burden carrier. I looked at the load of resentment and bitterness I had carried for years. I could have worn a sign reading "wide load."
Jesus told the young ruler to let go of the burden of riches, to sell all he had and give the proceeds to the poor. Then he could follow Jesus.
I realized that I needed to let go of my burdens too. There is no room for resentment and bitterness on the narrow path. But just as a camel must kneel and allow its burden to be removed, so I had to humble myself and offer my burdens to Christ. He removed the burdens for me.
PRAYER...
Dear Lord, help us to let go of anything that keeps us from following you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...
What do we need to let go of today?
PRAYER FOCUS...
For willingness to grow