I have pondered the texts below and felt disheartened, because they seem to say that most people won't find the gate (Jesus Christ) that leads to eternal life (heaven with God and God's family, forever). What does this mean for our loved ones still out there and for humanity?
Matthew 7:13-14
“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.”
Luke: 13 24
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
The devotion I read today brings out another truth embedded in these verses--addressing the "life of destruction" and the "abundant life," either of which can be experienced while still living on planet earth.
I have experienced both....the "hell on earth" kind of existence, and the "joy and peace" kind of existence. Both while being a born-again Christ-follower! The difference-maker has been the choice to take up my cross, die to self, and to seek a deeper walk with my Lord. Very much driven there by my "hell on earth" nightmares.
When I look around me, when I meet with people, it is a stark reality that few people are going through that narrow gate to walk in the "abundant life" on earth that Jesus died to give us. I'm not talking about a worry-free, calamity-free life full of everything going our way--that is wishful thinking! But rather a life marked by a closeness to Jesus that brings peace to the mind and emotions, hope, faith, love, self-control and all the other fruit of the spirit, so that when hard times come a person can "thrive" rather than merely "survive."
Here is a piece of the devotion for you to consider also:
There is a life available to us as believers that few find—a life free from burden, fear, boredom, and emptiness. The problem is that the road to life requires a complete sacrifice of ourselves. The road to purpose, passion, joy and freedom requires that we die to ourselves every hour of every day. Jesus made the way to freedom open and clear for us. Scripture serves as the perfect practical handbook to walk that narrow road. And the Holy Spirit serves as the perfect guide and friend along the way. We have everything we need available to us, however, most of us lack a willingness to sacrifice fully so that the seeds of our surrender lead to the fruition of an abundant life. --First 15