PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 7:13-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Enter through the narrow gate.” (Matthew 7:13)
The way of life that Jesus practices and teaches is not an easy one.
But as difficult as Jesus’ teachings are, they lead to life, not destruction.
The Jesus way is the only way to make things better in the world.
Hate breeds hate, unforgiveness and revenge hurts everyone, greed ruins the soul.
Everyday we face situations where we must choose Jesus’s way of responding.
Satan lures us daily to respond in self-interest or self-protection.
Usually we can predict the Jesus’ way… it is the more difficult option.
Why do so few find this narrow path… because so few want to find it.
This path is always there as an option for us, but we avoid it as much as possible.
Jesus is inviting us – urging us – to take the better way, the way of love.
But what does this look like in the daily details of my life?
At work or at home, with my family or friends or coworkers?
When thing happen, do I pause to consider how best to respond… like Jesus?
In the moment of response, I have to pause and consider the options.
Will I choose the ‘narrow way’, the harder path, the loving response?
PRAYER
Lord, the narrow way is not hidden from us. We prefer not to see it, we avoid it if we can. Your way is not easiest, but it is best. Help me to find it, to want it, to choose it in the daily details of my life.
Jesus said that we live in the days like Noah – so I know that to live a faithful trusting path in Jesus – will be challenged by the practices and way of culture all around me. Like Noah and his family I too must enter through a narrow door – the one way of Jesus. The way of the cross was the only way to bridge earth and heaven – so that I might be right before God. So I remain suspicious when things seem to go easy and comfortably! Yet I know I can live a life of peace and happiness knowing where my true security lies!
One way.
Jesus’ way.
I am reminded of the gate/doorway to where the sheep were kept at night. Only one gate and that gate was protected by the Master.
I need to focus on Him all the time. WWJD. On my life’s journey I need to walk in His SonShine.
Not my way but His as I continue my journey in joy
for the joy of the Lord God is my strength.
1
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter,
I am the clay.
Mould me and make me
After Thy will,
While I am waiting,
Yielded and still.
2
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Search me and try me,
Master, today.
Whiter than snow, Lord,
Wash me just now,
As in Thy presence
Humbly I bow.
3
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Wounded and weary,
Help me, I pray.
Power, all power,
Surely is Thine,
Touch me and heal me,
Savior divine.
4
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Hold o’er my being
Absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit
Till all shall see
Christ only, always,
Living in me.