JESUS SPEAKING
“Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Mathew 7: 13-14.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
In the ancient world, cities were places of safety and refuge. Most were surrounded by large walls designed to protect the inhabitants from hostile enemies. The size of the walls depended on the prosperity of the city. Babylon for example, one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world, was rumored to have had walls that were 80 ft. thick and 320 feet high (15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.) Every ancient city had one main gate (a large opening in the wall through which the majority of the merchants, travelers, and citizens could freely pass.) There were also several smaller gates that served a number of different purposes. There were gates for livestock; gates for horses; gates for importing fish, and gates used to export garbage and waste. Many of these little gates were not directly connected to the major highways; making them more difficult to reach. The majority of individuals entered through the main gate; because it was quick, easy, and convenient. In much the same way, the road to eternal separation from God is quick, easy, and convenient; but the path to eternal life is difficult and the gate is much smaller; it requires genuine discipline, sacrifice, and selflessness.
Repentance and forgiveness of sins are both integral parts of the gospel message. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus said to his disciples, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” One day many years ago a friend took me to a church service; that evening, for the first time in my life, I heard the full gospel message. I received Jesus, knowing that God expected something from me as well; I was required to repent and obey. I would need to turn away from fornication, idolatry, pornography, drunkenness, lewdness, and deceit, etc. As I sat in that church auditorium, I knew in my Spirit that I had to change. [Note: At one point during Christ’s earthly ministry, He chose to spend the evening in the home of a notorious sinner named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a corrupt tax-collector. During the night, Jesus presented him with the whole gospel; and Zacchaeus received it gladly. He immediately repented of his evil deeds and offered half of his wealth to the poor; he also promised to repay everyone from whom he had stolen.]
Zacchaeus had heard the complete gospel message and was transformed by it. He chose to follow the narrow path. After receiving salvation he immediately obeyed the teachings of Christ. Unlike Zacchaeus, many today refuse to repent. Millions of people claim to be Christians but continue on in blatant sin; they are seeking to enter through the wide gate; because it’s easy and requires very little sacrifice; and yet it leads to eternal separation from God. Fewer people choose the narrow path; because it’s difficult, requires repentance, and demands transformation. Which path are we taking? Are we willing to embrace the complete gospel and become followers of Jesus Christ? If we choose to take that step, we will be blessed beyond belief; and we will know perfect joy.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we receive Your gift and we take hold of Your sacrifice; may we turn away from the ways of this world and embrace the commandments of Your only begotten Son. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us the courage and strength to travel down the narrow path; the path of righteousness; the path of repentance and transformation; the path that leads to Your Eternal Kingdom. Have mercy on us, that we may enter Your dwelling place with joy and thanksgiving. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 