Wide and Narrow Gates

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14)

Lately there seems to be many articles and comments using the word trouble. Many people seem to recognize that we are living in a time of trouble, all different kinds of trouble. It is during these times that the decisions we make in our walk with God become even more important. The easy choices that the world appears to give us could lead to our destruction. I believe that these are often the choices we make that don’t line up with the Word of God. They appear to be a quick fix, but where are they leading us? Right now, the whole world is in turmoil and everyone is looking for a return to so called normal, as if that will make everything wonderful. Dark forces are at work in our lands, and we need God to be involved in the decisions we are making – not just trusting in our elected officials. If they are not obeying God’s laws in their decisions, they are leading the people astray, and we are letting them by following along. This is the wide gate that leads to destruction. Yes, the narrow way may appear to be more difficult, but it is the way that eventually leads to life. Most do not see this. So, we have a choice to make. Do we want to choose Jesus’ way, or not? An example is those called to the marriage in Matt. 22:8-14, “Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” We want to make sure that we are worthy to be at the wedding with Jesus Christ. We must have on the wedding garment of Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Time is getting short.

The world we live in today is becoming more and more difficult in which to feel comfortable. It sometimes feels like we live in a foreign place. The few chosen can feel very isolated at times from others around, as thoughts and desires are so different. We believe readers of this magazine are walking with Jesus and following the narrow gate that leads to life, knowing that following the wide gate will lead them to destruction, unless they wake up. We know that those following the wide gate are foolish and living a life full of pride and arrogance – full of worldly things that are temporary and have no value. “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding, they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” (Jer. 4:22). Isaiah 28:20 says that they are trying to be comfortable in a bed that doesn’t fit properly! It never will be comfortable as long as foolish lives are led by the wide gate, ignoring God. It will never really fit right. These people might think that they are living the easy life and all is right with the world, but they are living their lives on an unsafe foundation. A foundation that is made up of lies and deceit, blind to their iniquity. Our foundation is solid and true and one we can count on. Although the strait gate is a narrow way, we who enter have no problems with this way, as it is sure and true, and with Jesus as our leader. Psalm 23:3 says that He leads us in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. When we walk with Him, He guides us and protects us even when things are hard. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.“ (2Cor. 12:8-10) The world has become a rather scary place but we are not to be afraid. Remember that “faith and fear” do not go together. We must give our fears over to the Lord. When we are weak, He is strong.

The time appears to be short before our Lord returns and we must make ourselves ready to meet Him. Put on the full armour of God and He will protect you. We truly do live in an amazing time. The narrow path may appear to be getting narrower and narrower, but it is based on a true foundation and when the storm comes we won’t be looking for shelter as those who follow the wide path. We already have a sure foundation for shelter that we know we can count on and it leads to life.

It is Jesus Christ our Lord!