(25) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (26) And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” (27) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (28) Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” (29) Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, (30) who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. (31) But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:25-31 ESV
The story of the rich, young ruler who walked away from Jesus caused a genuine crisis of faith for His disciples. When the ruler opted to cling to his wealth rather than follow Jesus, it prompted the famous camel and needle illustration. The disciples were flabbergasted because they were men who had experienced some earthly success. They were businessmen, craftsmen, and bureaucrats—none of them came from poverty. Thankfully, Jesus reassured them by explaining that even the eye of a needle could be negotiated with the help of God.
Peter was still skeptical. Like many of us, he thought he should remind Jesus just how much they had given up to follow Him. The response goes to an issue that I believe hinders many of us from pushing on with God in the tough spots: We are unable to envision the wonder of the reward that awaits us. Looking back on my years of serving God, I have to say, we have been blessed in ways that were beyond our ability to grasp beforehand. His reward is always greater than my pitiful possessions and positions, no matter how dear they seem to me.
As we gather to worship, let’s ask Him to help us get through the needle’s eye of selfishness and self-centeredness. Having let go of what’s ours, let’s ask Him to show us a glimpse of the glory He has in store for us when we live for what’s His. I’m convinced that just a glimmer of glory will keep us going.
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