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, (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 most of the merchants, travelers, and citizens could freely pass.) There were also many 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; many of these little gates were not connected to the major highway; making them more difficult to reach. Most entered through the main gate because it was quick, easy, and convenient. The road to eternal separation from God is also quick, easy, and convenient; but the way to eternal life is difficult; it requires great 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.” When I was in my twenties a friend took me to a church service; that evening I heard the full gospel message for the first time. I received Jesus, knowing that God expected something from me as well; I was required to repent and obey. I had to turn away from fornication, adultery, pornography, drunkenness, lewdness, and deceit. As I sat in that church auditorium, I knew in my Spirit that I had to change. [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. He had amassed a large fortune by overtaxing his own countrymen. During the night, Jesus presented Zacchaeus with the whole gospel; and he 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 understood the complete gospel message. He chose to follow the narrow path. He received the gift of salvation and immediately obeyed the teachings of Christ. Many today refuse to repent. Approximately 78.4 percent of Americans claim to be Christians; yet 60 percent of young adult Christians believe that premarital sex and cohabitation are morally okay (to name just one of many ungodly behaviors.) Millions of people today are seeking to enter through the wide gate, because it’s easy and requires very little sacrifice; but it leads to eternal separation from God. Few 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.
“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 