Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)
The text presents a compelling call for a decision. It goes beyond a show of hands, instead, it calls for a soul search, a deep call of commitment and total loyalty to God. One can’t read this text and walk away without doing right by God – realising that without God, they are nothing. The narrow gate is by faith alone in Christ, ‘constricted and precise.’ This reminds me of the 1834 Hymn by Edward Mote: “On Christ the solid rock I stand.” The wide gate includes, ‘all religions of works and self-righteousness, with no single way, leading to hell.’ For a bit more context on this, read Matthew 7:24-27 (LSB). Any other way outside the prescribed order will not lead you through the narrow gate; it will eventually destroy you.
The Bible says, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Read Luke 13:24 (LSB). One commentator writes, “Salvation is solely by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8). But entering the narrow gate is nonetheless difficult because of its cost in terms of human pride,” and rebellion towards God and His Word. Beloved, we have a choice to make, and the Bible says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Read Deuteronomy 30:19 (LSB). The Psalmist writes, “Oh that my people would hearken unto Me, that Israel would walk in My ways.” Read Psalm 81:13 (KJV).
When we walk in His way, we will experience “peace like a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Read Isaiah 48:18 (ASV). Watch this, God continually pleads with you, saying, “Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever.” Read Deuteronomy 5: 29 (ASV). As believers in Christ, following the way of Christ has to be the utmost goal.
We have heard of the phrase, “The Path of least resistance.” As humans, it is not our natural inclination to choose the difficult path, instead, we search for the easiest opening or most convenient option; even if it may not be the most beneficial option. “This concept is often used to describe how people avoid challenges, difficulties, or hard work, and instead opt for the path that requires the least effort or energy.” In other words, we always want to stay in our comfort zone and refuse to be stretched.
Father in Heaven, “Teach me Your way, O Yahweh; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” Read Psalm 86:11 (LSB). Your way Father is the absolute way of truth!
We write. You read. Be encouraged.
Kolumns 