Matthew 19:13-30 contains some of the most important aspects of life. Here is a jewel: “Let the little children come to me…” After Jesus gave that lesson, a rich young ruler asked what good thing he must do to get eternal life. Jesus answered: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” This he could not do, so he sighed and walked away. Jesus then commented “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,” in other words, impossible. But cheer up, “with God all things are possible.” And God’s pecking order is not economic or based on power. Instead, sometimes “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” There are many idioms in the English language taken from the Bible. Yet the origin of these quotations are not allowed to be taught in public schools. Ponder that.
Deuteronomy 1 starts with the LORD’s command telling the Israelites to leave Horeb and enter Canaan. Leaders were appointed and spies sent out, but Israel refused to enter the land. The penalty for Israel’s rebellion was that no one would enter the promised land except Caleb and Joshua.
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 