Mathew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small us tbe gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
John 10:7
Therefore Jesus said again, I tell you tbe truth. I am the gate for the sheep.
Mathew 24:10
At that time many will turn away from the faith.
The Spirit directed me to these sobering verses this morning. Often we think of these verses in regard to Jesus being tbe only way to salvation by faith in him alone. But I think a deeper reality s conveyed in that we are to follow Jesus by faith in him alone. Even if it take us to suffering and martyrdom.
Jesus is teaching that a few. That being a remnant will truly find that narrow gate and enter through is. That narrow gate will lead to a narrow road. That narrow road will lead to a cross. That cross will be what the saint picks up to follow his Lord and Master. The believer will do this willingly and out of love for Jesus. For Jesus loved this person before tbe foundation of the world. Jesus gave his life for that person. For sure the soul who beholds Jesus will hear his voice and follow him. Even tbe narrow way to a cross. A cross to die on.
Jesus does not compel one by force to enter tbe narrow gate. Rather he woos by cords of infinite love. But only a few will hear. Many listen to the seductive satanic voices of this world to go through the broad door. To travel on the broad road. One thinks it is so easy to follow Christ this way. Why this talk of suffering, martyrdom, a cross? Jesus calls us to easy blessing and bliss? Just be moral. Stand for morality. It's easy. Peace and safety are yours. Just be secure. For we are secure in our camp.
Yet not realizing tbe broad road leads to destruction. Not realizing that tbe security must be found outside tbe camp. The security must be found in a garbage dump, on a hill shaped like a scull. One's security must be found in in tbe cross of Jesus Christ.
The question we must ask ourselves is. Are we going through the small gate into that narrow road that leads to Jesus and his cross? Indeed are we taking up our cross to follow Jesus? For surely that is the question we must ask of ourselves.
Posted by Bearmaster.