Last Friday I was waking through a place called “Rock City.” The trail suddenly became “narrow.” And the following thoughts came to mind …
Today’s Bible Lesson …
The Christian life is often compared to a “way” of travel, as in the hymn “Marching to Zion.” In fact, in Acts 9:2 it seems that “this way” was a slanderous “nickname” for those collectively following Jesus. And in Acts 22:4 Saul of Tarsus (pre-conversion Paul) said: “And I (Saul) desired of him (the High Priest) letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of THIS WAY, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound (under arrest, in chains) unto Jerusalem.”
Jesus Himself knew that comparatively speaking those who loved Him (and walked in His Way) would always be in the “minority.” He even said so, in His great Sermon on the Mount! “Strait is the gate, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14
It takes humility (lowliness) to walk through that gate, to pursue that way! “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:25-26, where a “needle’s eye” seems to be pretty small, narrow! Rich men, apart from the working of the Holy Spirit, are often BIG in their own eyes, NOT humble, as a general rule.
If you are saved, have seen the light, praise God! Listen to Luke 13:24. “Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”
Yet all this being said …
I would still like to revel in the fact that we have a “whosoever will” Gospel to preach!
The “door” to the Old Testament Tabernacle was WIDE! Almost disproportionately so! Thirty feet wide, twenty cubits! And the whole eastern side of the Tabernacle was only seventy-five feet wide, fifty cubits! Fellowship with God was encouraged, obviously!
And Jesus’ Death?
It was for not an exclusive few … but the whole world! “And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD.” At least John thought so, 1st John 2:2.
In one sense “narrow.”
In another sense, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37
This I am saying … if you are IN … worship God from the bottom of your heart!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
If this Lesson has been a special blessing to you in any way, or an encouragement, text me with a short message to that effect … at 770-844-7627, my cell number. I would love hearing from someone today, one of our readers.