Matthew 7:13-14 | Revelation 3:14-22
This isn’t about numbers or limitations on the amount of people who can or will come through Christ into his Kingdom. God is not that petty. (As if there is only so much room!)
It does, however, describe the cost of the grace-filled life necessary to participate within the nature of that Kingdom. Christ’s way is not cheap. It is not merely an add-on. It costs. Not money, but devotion and particular attention and effort toward the manner of Jesus himself.
Be assured, Jesus says…it will lead to life. But it will be difficult.
Matthew 7:13-14
“Go in through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction is broad and the road wide, so many people enter through it. But the gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it.”
Revelation 3:14-22
“Write this to the angel of the church in Laodicea:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your works. You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I’m about to spit you out of my mouth. After all, you say, ‘I’m rich, and I’ve grown wealthy, and I don’t need a thing.’ You don’t realize that you are miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked. My advice is that you buy gold from me that has been purified by fire so that you may be rich, and white clothing to wear so that your nakedness won’t be shamefully exposed, and ointment to put on your eyes so that you may see. I correct and discipline those whom I love. So be earnest and change your hearts and lives. Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will have dinner with me. As for those who emerge victorious, I will allow them to sit with me on my throne, just as I emerged victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
Prayer
God, Thank you for today.
I’m really not looking to make things more difficult in my life. But I do want to rightly follow you and serve you and serve for you. So help me to know what it is to be within your Kingdom. Keep me from always choosing the least hard thing, but give me strength to follow through.
I give you this day by your Spirit and in Christ, Amen.