NARROW IS THE WAY
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14, ESV
Theme: We need to avoid the “wide, easy gate” and instead enter the hard way, by the “narrow gate” that leads to life.
A GATE WIDE OPEN
Jesus is boldly telling us that narrow is the way. He is offering an abundant life. The gate is not our destiny, but rather an entry to a path that leads to either destruction or life. Human nature is to follow the way of the many, not the few. We can make those gates and paths narrow, simply by following that path towards Jesus. We are given choices, and it is never too late to find that narrow gate and walk that narrow path of obedience. He tells us that He is the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6).
In this Scripture, Jesus emphasizes the difficulty of the narrow gate. In Luke 9:23-25 (paraphrased), He said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” It involves overcoming challenges and persevering in faith, even when facing opposition. When Jesus says, "take up your cross, and follow me," He is not referring to His future crucifixion. He is using the cross as a metaphor for a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and total commitment to following Him.
There are two gates, two ways, and two destinations. Which do you choose? Our future awaits through both. There is no more important decision that you will make in your life. Be definitive and absolute in your faith-based decisions. Sure, the gate to God is narrow … but it is wide open.
We come to many gates and paths during our life journey. Some were not of our direct choosing, but it is always a journey of trusting God. We are building trust in a parent’s guiding hand (Proverbs 22:6); obedience to military leadership (Deuteronomy 20:1-4); or prayerful yielding to a friend’s experienced recommendation (Proverbs 27:6). With a prayer of submission to my Lord, I know He will make my path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Life comes with many choices: the wide gates and paths of destruction that are chosen by many, or the narrow gates and paths of life chosen by a few.
LIFE IS A LONG AND WINDING ROAD
Our Holy Bible emphasizes God's grace and forgiveness: While today’s verse focuses on the choice and the difficulty of the narrow gate, there is no doubt in my mind that a wrong turn, or a wrong choice, is not irreparable. It is a long and winding road that leads to His gate, and beyond. God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent and turn to Him can provide another opportunity to seek and enter through that gate. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, ESV). Be found and saved from destruction. Help find others who need a guide towards the narrowness of the righteous gate.
Make It Personal: A life lesson learned: Dürnstein Castle is the ruin of a medieval rock castle located in Austria on the Danube River. It takes an arduous walk from the town to get up to the ruins. Built in the early 12th century, it is famous for the imprisonment of Good King Richard, whilst on his way home from the Third Crusades. On a visit to the site last year and upon the advice of a traveling companion, we walked the narrow stone step path up the uneven terrain of 450 feet. The climb took about 30 minutes. It was a very demanding path that held challenges to the body and the mind. It was beautiful, however, as we would stop to take in a most resplendent view. We had very few companions along the way. I can imagine why not many people have been to this old ruin of time. Or so I thought. We reached the castle to find close to a hundred folk milling about. When I mentioned not seeing all those people on our uphill journey, my friend said “Oh … they came up the easy path”. “What path?” I asked, a little surprised at the missed opportunity. He answered: “Had I told you about the easy path, before our trek, would you have joined me on the hard way? Would you have appreciated the view any more? We came to experience the best choices in life.” He not only knew this place, but he knew his Scripture. Nice metaphor. Yes … the learning experience of that narrow path remains in my mind to this day, as a way of perseverance, faith and wonder. It was hard but it led to a true-life experience. What kind of path are you willing to walk today?
Pray: Father Almighty. Thank you for another day to serve You. With thanksgiving, we appreciate the choices You provide us daily. Narrow is the way LORD. Your way. Please guide our thoughts and choices toward the narrowness of obedience and eternal life. Our submission to You is steadfast. As we take up the cross, please guide each of our purposeful steps to Your eternal Glory. Please help us find those who choose the way of death, and lead them away from the wide, easy, gate and path of destruction towards the narrow way of life, by sharing the Good News of Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Read: Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 14:12; John 10:9-10; Luke 13:24
Weekly Memory Verse: “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20, NLT