The Many and The Few
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few," Matthew 7:13,14.
There are two disturbing words in this passage: "many" and "few". Many are those who will take the way of destruction. Few are those who will find the path to life. Why? Because the way of destruction is wide and easy. Naturally many will take that road. But the narrow way is truly the road less travelled. It is hard and narrrow. So only a few take this way.
I am disturbed as I consider that there are many who are on the road to destruction, but probably think they are on the road to life. It is fashionable to think of ourselves as better than we are. Furthermore, we are repeatedly told not to judge others. The result is that everyone is afraid to point out sin where it exists and its corresponding consequence- eternal damnation.
Now damnation is out of vogue today. We don't believe in hell anymore. It is unpopular. So we do not believe anyone goes to hell. But according to our Lord, there are people who do. In fact, "many" do.
On the other hand, our Lord clearly presents us with the road that leads to eternal life. Why is it so hard? Because it requires self-denial. It means taking up a cross. It involves suffering. These things prevent many from walking this road and they take the other instead. Oh, if only they had eyes of faith to see that while this road does indeed require the things I've listed that our Lord Christ gives Grace for the journey. In His strength we are able to endure these things. We can overcome all obstacles. And He will guide us safely to our destination.
I appeal to the many on the broad road. Turn around! This isn't everything you think it will be. Instead, the narrow way- the hard way- is the way to go. Through temporary struggles we will come forth to eternal life.
There are few who take this way. But that doesn't mean there can't be a few more. Join me on this road and let us seek out all we can to make up just a few more.
There are two disturbing words in this passage: "many" and "few". Many are those who will take the way of destruction. Few are those who will find the path to life. Why? Because the way of destruction is wide and easy. Naturally many will take that road. But the narrow way is truly the road less travelled. It is hard and narrrow. So only a few take this way.
I am disturbed as I consider that there are many who are on the road to destruction, but probably think they are on the road to life. It is fashionable to think of ourselves as better than we are. Furthermore, we are repeatedly told not to judge others. The result is that everyone is afraid to point out sin where it exists and its corresponding consequence- eternal damnation.
Now damnation is out of vogue today. We don't believe in hell anymore. It is unpopular. So we do not believe anyone goes to hell. But according to our Lord, there are people who do. In fact, "many" do.
On the other hand, our Lord clearly presents us with the road that leads to eternal life. Why is it so hard? Because it requires self-denial. It means taking up a cross. It involves suffering. These things prevent many from walking this road and they take the other instead. Oh, if only they had eyes of faith to see that while this road does indeed require the things I've listed that our Lord Christ gives Grace for the journey. In His strength we are able to endure these things. We can overcome all obstacles. And He will guide us safely to our destination.
I appeal to the many on the broad road. Turn around! This isn't everything you think it will be. Instead, the narrow way- the hard way- is the way to go. Through temporary struggles we will come forth to eternal life.
There are few who take this way. But that doesn't mean there can't be a few more. Join me on this road and let us seek out all we can to make up just a few more.
posted by Patrick at 1:57 PM
2 Comments:
What a great post, Patrick. It certainly makes us stop and think, not only about the road we are on personally, but also about all those we know who are not on the right road. Thank you for the exhortations.
People should read this.
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