The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Thursday, June 24, 2021

STRIVE TO ENTER

Jesus compares the narrow gate to the broad road which leads to destruction and says many will be on that road. By contrast, Jesus says small is the gate and narrow the door that leads to life and only a few find it. It’s imperative we understand that Jesus is the door through which all must enter eternal life. There’s no other way because He alone is the way, the truth and the life (John 10:10). Now, the question is, how many are the “many” and how few are the “few”?

The way to eternal life is restricted to just one avenue – Christ. In this sense, the way is narrow because it is the only way and relatively, few people will go through the narrow gate. Many more will try to find God through alternative means, they will try to get there through manmade rules and regulations, through false religions or through self-effort. These who are many will follow the broad road that leads to eternal destruction.

Entering the narrow gate is not easy. Jesus made this clear when He instructed His followers to strive. The Greek word translated strive is agonizomai, from which we get the English word agonize. The implication here is that those who seek to enter the narrow gate must do so by struggle and strain like a running athlete straining towards the finished line, all muscles taut and giving his all in the effort. However, we must be clear that no amount of effort saves us, but the grace of God through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Text: Mark 16:15 & Matthew 7:13-14

Prayer: Father in the name of Jesus, I am strengthened and energized in the inner man, I will finish my race on earth honorably in Jesus name, Amen.

Further Reading: John 14:6 (KJV) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 10:8-10 (KJV) “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but to steal, to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Read through the Bible: Isaiah 56 & Matthew 4