he Narrow, Uncomfortable Way

Whether he is attentive to every moment of every human’s life, as some religions claim, I’m by no means sure. But I do believe that he has standards of action that he means us to observe. I believe that he had communicated those standards - and most of whatever else we know about his transcendent nature - through a few human messengers and through the mute spectacles of nature in all its manifestations, around and inside us . . .

God created those spectacles many billion years ago and began to send those messengers, to this planet at least, as long ago as 4,000 years, maybe earlier. Those messengers are parents and teachers, prophets and poets (sacred and secular), painters and musicians, healers and lovers, the generous saints of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and a few other faiths - all deep feeders of our minds and bodies . . . Most of the long-enduring faiths say that we accumulate the weight of wrongs - our sins, our karma - and will ultimately be confronted with that weight. (Reynolds Price, “dear harper,” Forbes ASAP).

Mr. Price is not alone. Most folks have chosen the wide gate and broad way. Jesus said He was the only gate. He was the only road. He is the only door.

I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved . . . (NASB) John 10:9

I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. (NASB) John 14:6

I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. (NASB) John 6:35

He is the door - the very small one. He is the small door that leads to the way - the road of suffering. He is the truth and the way to eternal life. He is the bread of life - satisfaction.

How To Open The Gate/Door. Many believe God will accept their good intentions and are trying to get to heaven by their goodness. Others want to hang on to their money. Some are too busy right now. Others believe God is a God of love and, “How could He reject me?” Jesus says these folks are trying to get there the wrong way.

Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (NASB) Luke 13:24

There is only one way to enter a really small door - by ourselves. No baggage! No charts or bags of good deeds! No money. No bread for a snack. Nothing! Just believing He is the Truth. Just believing He is The Way. Just believing He is the Door. Just believing He is eternal life! All we have to do is give up on ourselves and trust Jesus and only Jesus - no one else - to forgive our sins. Simply come as a beggar.

Jesus promises to forgive a beggar’s sins and take him or her to heaven when he/she dies. He does not promise us “a wonderful life.” He does not promise to heal our marriages. He does not promise wealth or fame. Why do I say that? Jesus’ illustration of the narrow gate leads to the way of affliction (Matt. 5:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:12). Yes, He offers inner peace and joy, but He does not promise external comfort. He promises forgiveness. It is the wide gate that leads to comfort and hell!

I must needs go home by the way of the Cross; There’s no other way but this. I shall ne’er get sight of the Gates of Light if the way of the Cross I miss. The way of the Cross leads home. The way of the Cross leads home. It is sweet to know, as I onward go, The way of the Cross leads home . . . Where He waits at the open door. (The Way of the Cross Leads Home by Jesse Grown Pounds).