The Eye of a Needle

“The eye of a needle refers to a sewing needle, one of the smallest items one might deal with on a regular basis, in contrast to the biggest animal of the region. (Although the story of a small gate in Jerusalem known as ‘The Needle’s Eye’ has been widely circulated and may go back as far as the middle ages, there is no evidence that such a gate ever existed.) Jesus is saying rhetorically that this is impossible (for the rich to be saved) unless God intervenes.”

The bible and history show us over and over that financial and professional prosperity erodes and weakens our spiritual vitality. God usually has to take away our stuff for repentance and revival to happen.

He has to take away our idols.

Wealth is always spiritually dangerous yet we pray for it and strive for it and sacrifice so much for it.

We sell our souls for it.

We pity the poor and envy the rich.

The bible says we should do the opposite because the poor are in a much better position to put their faith in God and long for something better beyond this life.

James 5:1 comes to mind, “Come [quickly] now, you rich [who lack true faith and hoard and misuse your resources], weep and howl over the miseries [the woes, the judgments] that are coming upon you.”

If being poor would strengthen my faith then I pray for poverty.