Approaching the Needle's Eye

Perhaps you have noticed that my blogs of late have dealt with aging issues. Growing older or aging is not for the ‘Young and Restless’ but the “Bold and Courageous and BEAUTIFUL!” Notice the soap opera themes? Well that is what aging is like alright---one ongoing, no advertisements to break up the drama—a continuous soap opera of life!

Yet—aging is crucial---all for the purpose of stripping us of pride and sinfulness. Aging will humble you as you return to the childhood days---briefs and diapers, and sometimes a belt to keep you upright and straight. (I am referring of course to a gait belt and or a back support wide belt.) As we age, the hair grows thinner, and the need for softer ground food might be needed. You may find yourself babbling, as it gets hard to keep your thoughts straight---yep, we are returning to the innocence of a child!

Hopefully, you may realize the wisdom of aging with an accepting trust and contentment sitting in the Father’s lap. To be angry over life and whatever happens or comes our way---this is a useless waste of our breaths! As we grow older—we may not what to waste those breaths. It might not hurt too, to recall that when a child whines, fusses, and throws templer tantrums---this approach should not work in getting attention, if the parents are wise. God love is wise, and will remind us--"It don't change a thing to fuss, only makes it worse."

My Pastor said it best, when He spoke the lines of our Gospel reading the other day. “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” Father William repeated these words twice and slowly—“Stay with us—the day is almost over.” I do not know if anyone else in the church understood what he was trying to convey---I did. As we age, as the days get shorter, and we grow closer to seeing Jesus: either with our death or His coming---it is crucial that we “stay with Jesus!” Closer than ever before!

Dear beloved children of God: Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than the rich to enter into the Kingdom of God. Regardless of our financial status—we are very rich in many ways. So what wisdom do we need to seek from when hearing those words?

It may seem impossible for a camel to go through the needle’s eye, but it can happen! The camel must be stripped to go through a ‘Needles Eye Gate’ into Jerusalem. There has been a reference to the needles eye being a narrow gate that a camel goes through. But before it can, it has to be stripped of all goods coming into Jerusalem so the goods could be taxed.

Another interesting note about the camel and the needles eye is that the word camel in Arabic means ‘rope’. If Jesus was referring to a rope, then for a rope to go through a ‘needle’s eye’ it must be stripped down to only one strand of string. STRIPPING is the key word then that we need to focus on. For us to enter into the Kingdom of God all worldly processions and worldly opinions and desires must go.

So then, are we realizing the essential reason why we must age? All power over our life is taken from us as we become more and more dependent on others to provide and care for us. I guess this is why the phrase—“only the good die young,” was spoken by someone very wise. That and the quote from Wisdom---“having become perfect in a short while,” was given as a reason for early death. I just know and believe deeply that by the time I leave this earth---God will have worked on me long and hard out of His love for me—to me sure I make it safely home.

Have a safe and happy journey home ya’ll. One way or another in the Father‘s love for you---He’s gonna get ya before aging brings you to the point of entering into His Kingdom’s Gates. STAY WITH US JESUS, STAY WITH US. May Your Peace be with us always.