“How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Luke 18:24-27
Today’s verse passage contains some of the Lord’s remarks regarding the rich and their difficulty entering the Kingdom. Comparing Scripture with Scripture, we understand that simply having riches isn’t the problem; Abraham the father of the faithful was very rich (Genesis 13:2). The problem is the felt self-sufficiency that often comes with the accumulation of wealth (Deuteronomy 8:11-17). A man cannot receive Jesus for salvation while at the same time reckon himself sufficiently righteous on his own merits to enter the kingdom. The two thoughts are mutually exclusive (Luke 18:9-14). Christ’s disciples were stunned at the Lord’s teaching. They, like Job’s three friends, considered the rich to be approved of God. If they cannot enter the Kingdom of God, who can? The Lord replied, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” To the humble and repentant Christ’s words are a tremendous comfort and encouragement. To the prideful and self-sufficient, however, they are a serious challenge. Who in our scientifically advanced age is capable of creating something from absolutely nothing as God did in the beginning (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3)? Which group of scientists have succeeded in creating life from inanimate matter? At the dawn of earth history, God simply spoke a command and the earth was swarming with living creatures (Genesis 1:20-21, 24-25). Who among the sons of men is capable of accomplishing such a thing? What philosopher has finally solved the mystery of what justifies the Laws of Logic? Who among the intellectuals of our world has discovered the rational foundation for inductive reasoning, or who can explain why math and numbers apply so meaningfully to our changing physical world? What collection of well-funded medical experts have finally succeeded in conquering death, mankind’s most hated and feared enemy? Which of the sons of Adam is capable, on his own merits, of approaching a Holy God without fear of immediate judgment? Everywhere we look we are reminded that man is severely limited in terms of wisdom, insight, moral uprightness, and power to act. Praise be to our blessed Creator and Redeemer, Who alone is wise (Jude 1:25). He alone solves the scientific and philosophical problems of the ages. He alone is able to cleanse and restore fallen man, forgiving and reconciling him to Himself by the blood of His cross. Thank you, Lord, for accomplishing the impossible for us; thank you for so great a salvation!
God bless you,
Pastor John
English