Be Sure To Choose The Right Path

Luke 13:22-30

A number of years ago I was on vacation visiting a national park in the mountains of the west.  One day while there I was looking over the guidebooks, deciding what to see next. One place I wanted to see was described as a hidden lake, crystal blue, surrounded by stately pines.  The only way to reach this hidden lake was taking a path that branched off of a main hiking path. The path to the lake was more difficult to hike, as it was narrower, and over rougher and more challenging terrain.  The main path was an easier one to walk. It was wider, well-worn, even with occasional benches to rest on. Many more people chose to just stay on that path, as it was easier to walk. But choosing to go off on the other, more difficult path, was well worth it, once you reached the lake.

In our Scripture reading today, Jesus describes a narrow gate, the gate that those who would be saved must enter through, in order to enter God’s eternal kingdom.  Though many people show a casual, surface interest in Jesus, and things “spiritual”, true committed followers are not great in number. Jesus does not want half-hearted followers.  He tells us here in this passage, and in Matthew 7:13-14, that the way is narrow, and few find it. This shows clearly that those who say that “all are saved”, and everyone will get to heaven, are mistaken.

Entering the narrow gate is difficult because of its cost in our human pride, our love for sin, and because of the world and Satan’s opposition to the truth (vs. 24).  We cannot work to earn our way to heaven. Salvation is not by works, as so many Scriptures attest. However, one must put forth some effort to go in through the narrow gate.  We must earnestly desire to know Jesus, and diligently strive to follow Him, whatever the cost.

Jesus continues on in His teaching, and says that come Judgment Day there will be many who will protest that they are not in Heaven.  They will knock and pound on the door, seeking to enter, but God will tell them to depart, as He does not know them (vs. 25-27). They had no true salvation, no saving relationship with Jesus.  Just being religious or going to church will not guarantee entrance. Neither is just knowing who He is. Many people know something about God, but only a few have acknowledged their sins and accepted His forgiveness.  Just hearing a sermon is not enough. We must turn from our sin, and trust in God to save us.  Some people we may have thought we’d see in heaven, some of the big “religious leaders”, and people who proclaimed to be so holy, will not be there.  This passage again shows that not everyone gets into heaven, as is popularly believed.

Those who are true believers, though, come from all parts of the world (vs. 29).  What matters to God is not a person’s earthly popularity, status, wealth, heritage, or power.  Those things matter to so many here in today’s society, but not to God. Instead, what is important to Him is whether one has made a commitment to His only Son, Jesus.

Contrary to the popular saying, not all roads lead to heaven.  Only one does, and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus wants to draw all men to Himself (John 12:32).  He offers salvation to everyone, and would never turn anyone away who truly puts their faith and trust in Him (Romans 10:9-13).  However, Jesus is the only door, and the only way for us to come to God (John 10:7; John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12).  Everyone does have the opportunity to come, but only a few choose to go down the correct path.

Everyone has the opportunity to choose the more difficult path in the national park to go to the hidden lake.  Only a few ever do. Those who don’t miss out on something special. Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  Have you chosen to enter in through the narrow gate, the only way to come to God? If not, I urge you to not hesitate another moment, as no one is guaranteed tomorrow.  Enter that narrow gate, and be welcomed into God’s Kingdom.