Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
In The Hebrew Scriptures, The Camel is a Beast of Burden, an Asset of Wealth, and designated as Livestock. Because it does not have a cloven hoof like a cow or a deer (Even though it chews its cud like these clean animals) the Camel is NOT considered Kosher for eating. To this day, camels are a very important part of the economy in the Middle East, including the Arab who charges the tourist only ONE DOLLAR to get on his camel, and FIVE DOLLARS to get off of his camel!
Suddenly, in the Gospels, the Camel takes on a new meaning.The familiar and ubiquitous camel becomes a symbol.
Most bugs were not kosher, and very religious people used to strain their drinks very carefully to make sure even a gnat could not get through. Jesus said that some people were so busy trying to strain out the gnats (the little things) they would swallow a whole camel (a REALLY BIG thing.) How many people in our own day strive to obey every little rule and regulation, and in their pride, hold others in contempt?
There is also an Apocryphal tale of a very narrow gate in Jerusalem called "The Eye of the Needle". A camel could fit through that gate, but only after shedding all its packs and cargo. Again, a brilliant illustration of our lives, burdened with worries, wealth, issues, preconceived notions, belief systems, and cares preventing us from entering "The Narrow Gate".
In our present culture, the camel has become a symbol of burdens and cares that reach their peak in the middle of the week. Hence, the Camel is still on our minds when we call Wednesday, "HUMP DAY."
Come and pray For The Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation .
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS
