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CURSE OF WEALTH
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Mark 10:17-31

Matthew 6:19-21

 

“…How hardly shall they that have riches

enter into the kingdom of God!”

 

CURSE OF WEALTH
 
Is wealth a blessing? Most people think so, even those who profess to be Christians—just look at the popularity of the prosperity or health and wealth gospel. Wealth or money in and of itself is not bad, it is the love of it that is bad, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:10).
 
Wealth can be a curse. We see this in the case of the rich young ruler who coveted his wealth and would not give it up to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:21,22). Jesus had a comment on this rich man, and said to his disciples, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” Why is it so difficult for the rich to believe and follow Jesus? It is because they are so self-confident, self-assured and self-satisfied. Money brings power, and power brings control. The rich man considers himself to be “in control” of his life. With his wealth, he can buy anything he wants. It is difficult to give up all the worldly comforts that money brings. It has to do with selfish pride and worldliness.
 
Jesus went on to say, “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” (Mark 10:25). What is this “eye of a needle”? It is not some low gate where camels have to kneel in order to get through. The eye of a needle means precisely that— the actual eye of a sewing needle where the thread goes through. Jesus was saying that it is truly easier to thread a huge camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. A man that is bloated with riches and pride will find it impossible to enter heaven. That is why the disciples were “astonished out of measure.” They logically and correctly responded, “Who then can be saved?” “None” is the expected answer. Are all rich people therefore destined to eternal damnation? Jesus gave a hopeful reply, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). Salvation is impossible with men; it is only possible with God.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Mark 8:36.)

PRAYER: (Pray for heavenly, not earthly, treasures.)

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