The rich and the kingdom of God (3)
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. (Mark 10:25)
The epigram, ‘A camel and the eye of a needle’ was a proverb of those days. Literally it was a sort of hyperbole. If we read this sentence literally, it gives a nuance that it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Could it be true? Is the rich surely not able to enter the kingdom of God?
We cannot deal with such matter in full-scale in a short meditation. Firstly such epigram does have a meaning on the condition to premise special situation of those days. It can be a word to solace the poor people or the word was given as many problems had happened due to the goods. For your reference, it is not advisable to apply the epigram of the Bible in our practical life without considering the actual context.
The word, ‘it is so hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God’ is connected to Jesus teaching on the Mountainside in Matthew chapter 5 which says “Blessed are the poor in spirit!” Though these two words seem to have overstated but basically it is right. Let us once put aside the matter of richness and think of the teaching on the Mountainside about the poor. When you understand it, the teaching about the rich will be understood naturally.
Even today as it was so in the ancient society, it is very difficult for the poor to escape from their destiny. The legacy of the forefather’s poverty has been handed down to their descendants. Such people give up the hope for this world and pursue another world fervently. I mean such life attitude is blessed. On the contrary, the rich has a lingering regret for this world. Such people cannot pursue the kingdom of God for they have to give up their affection for the world. Ultimately they are cursed.
I hope it is clear to you now. The destiny of those who put their security matter on the goods of the world cannot but lands in futility. It is because the things in this world will be eventually disappeared. Please do not misunderstand. I do not mean the nothingness and futility of life in this world itself. The central point is the question of where our souls will harbor.
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. (Mark 10:25)
The epigram, ‘A camel and the eye of a needle’ was a proverb of those days. Literally it was a sort of hyperbole. If we read this sentence literally, it gives a nuance that it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Could it be true? Is the rich surely not able to enter the kingdom of God?
We cannot deal with such matter in full-scale in a short meditation. Firstly such epigram does have a meaning on the condition to premise special situation of those days. It can be a word to solace the poor people or the word was given as many problems had happened due to the goods. For your reference, it is not advisable to apply the epigram of the Bible in our practical life without considering the actual context.
The word, ‘it is so hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God’ is connected to Jesus teaching on the Mountainside in Matthew chapter 5 which says “Blessed are the poor in spirit!” Though these two words seem to have overstated but basically it is right. Let us once put aside the matter of richness and think of the teaching on the Mountainside about the poor. When you understand it, the teaching about the rich will be understood naturally.
Even today as it was so in the ancient society, it is very difficult for the poor to escape from their destiny. The legacy of the forefather’s poverty has been handed down to their descendants. Such people give up the hope for this world and pursue another world fervently. I mean such life attitude is blessed. On the contrary, the rich has a lingering regret for this world. Such people cannot pursue the kingdom of God for they have to give up their affection for the world. Ultimately they are cursed.
I hope it is clear to you now. The destiny of those who put their security matter on the goods of the world cannot but lands in futility. It is because the things in this world will be eventually disappeared. Please do not misunderstand. I do not mean the nothingness and futility of life in this world itself. The central point is the question of where our souls will harbor.
No comments:
Post a Comment