Tags
agonize, few saved, narrow door, strive, the path of least resistance, the strait gate, transformative salvation
And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24
This verse highlights the truth of all ministry, including Jesus’. When it is all said and done only a few want transformative salvation. The crowds following Jesus were described as “throngs, myriads and multitudes.” But in the end, “just a few” gave themselves to become true disciples. Why? Better yet, are you in the process of being saved or are you simply an observer from afar who never gets too close to the Lord? Another way of asking this question is to use Jesus’ words, “Have you found the narrow path or the strait gate?”
Odd that Jesus puts the onus upon us to find and enter the narrow doorway. Strive here is our English word for agonize. Why would the Lord tell us we have to struggle and fight to enter into heaven? It would appear we are missing something here!
Until we pass from this life, we will always battle our flesh and the ways of the world. The natural way of life is to take the path of least resistance. If we follow the path of least resistance we will never battle our flesh or agonize to enter the narrow door. Jesus is asserting that those who follow Him will always be swimming upstream against the current. This is why the way of righteousness is narrow and difficult.
Also, the rest of the world is taking the wide and easy road. It is relatively easy to fall-in-line with everyone else, drift down the path, and forget the Lord’s directives.
The devil and his minions want you to miss the strait way as well. He sets up roadblocks, provides hindrances and temptations all along life’s paths. He is great at getting people sidetracked before they reach their destination.
Finding the strait way and entering the narrow door is a battle. Have you had to fight to stay on the narrow path lately? If not, you should. It’s best to discover which path you’re on now before it’s too late to do anything about it!
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