“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Our Meditations are titled “Faith For The Journey” and are sectioned into devotionals for the daily moments as we journey toward eternity.
The idea of life being like a road and our spiritual journey as a walk of faith is clearly described by Jesus Himself. He is “The Way” - the only way. No short cuts. In the Gospels He taught about two roads, one leads to life and one leads to destruction.
One of the first illustrated sermons I heard Aimee Semple McPherson preach in Angelus Temple was on the text above. In a scene on stage behind her pulpit stretched two roads signposted: The Road To Heaven – The Road to Hell. Heaven's upward road was full of beautiful light and Hell's downward road shaded with deep darkness. At the junction stood the cross. She declared there was no middle ground. Each person was either on the road to heaven or to hell,a stark truth in plain words. A great contrast to the easy-going formulas preached today in many pulpits.
The image remains indelible that passed through my eye-gate and ear-gate into my heart. The cross stood at the junction. Sister McPherson pointed to it. “The cross draws your attention to Jesus who died for you Whether you accept Him as Savior or reject Him will determine your eternal destination. Which road are you on?”
I made my choice. I trust you are also among “the few” who chose the “narrow way.” Throngs, looking for a shortcut to God, take the broad road. The way to Jesus is vigorous and requires total attention. What is required is serious obedience to Jesus, from the cross to the throne in heaven. It is the way of the cross all the way.
Stay on the Calvary Road: The Broadway looks inviting and promises pleasure, but it grows darker and descends downward from the cross. Easy to enter, but hard to exit. The narrow road is an upward climb that requires effort. Jesus walks with you. Your faith gets stronger as you focus on Him. Each step takes you closer to heaven.
PRAYER: My Jesus, thank you for the cross. I would rather have You and be led by your nail-pierced hand, than to have all the fleeting pleasures of the world. I've made my choice and trust you to keep me focused on the eternal joys of discipleship. Jesus, whatever the cost, when I see heaven and You, it will be worth it all. Amen!