Death that leads to life
“Come to God through the narrow gate, because the wide gate and broad path is the way that leads to destruction – nearly everyone chooses the crowded road.” Matt. 7:13 TPT
Imagine with me. You are walking along and the road you are walking on ends but there is a path that continues ahead. As you get closer to that path you notice off to the side that there is another path, nearly hidden, covered with brambles and tall grasses. You stop and take it in. One path is wide, well worn, in fact you can see people up ahead now. That path appears to be level, smooth and easy to walk. The path looks enticing. You then look more closely at the other path. It is almost like someone had disguised it so that you have to really be looking for it in order to see it. It is dark due to the overgrowth. You can see large rocks in the path as well as grasses and weeds. The path has not been maintained as evidenced by the over and undergrowth that surrounds the path. You decide to get a bit closer to see what lies ahead on the path and you can see a steep incline. You step back. The choice is yours. Which path will you choose?
In our flesh, we want the easy path, the one with all our friends traveling with us. But there is something about the narrow path that draws us. So, we take a tentative step bending over to get below the branches that partially cover the entrance. Using our arms we pull back the branches and feel the cool of the air touching our skin. Then we hear it. A gentle voice that welcomes us onto the path – much like a tour guide. The voice calls you by name. You hear the voice but you don’t see anyone. You realize that you are unprepared for this path, as you are wearing flip flops and shorts. You have no water or provisions. And then you hear the voice say “I will be with you. I will be your guide, your provider. I have everything you need. Know that the journey will not be easy, but I promise to be with you every step of the way.”
As you come out of the overgrowth the path winds upward. Up ahead you can see beautiful wildflowers growing out of the surrounding rocks that line the path. There are areas where the path seems to have been washed away and you can see down into the valley. The voice says “Do not be afraid. I will make a way for you.” You trudge onward, upward. Thistles stick out over the path trying to entangle you. Some even scrape your skin. It hurts, It’s hard, it’s exhausting, and you begin to wonder if you chose the correct path.
There is no one around – it is a lonely place. And once again you hear the voice encouraging you, reminding you of the promises made. You fall. And you hear “I will be with you always. I go before you, behind you, all around you.” You begin to lose your breath as the path reaches heights you have never experienced. But as you look around, the scenery is vast and beautiful. And you realize the climb, the bumps, the exhaustion have been worth it.
Yeshua said that the wide gate leads to destruction, but the narrow path leads to life eternal. But before we can have that life eternal, we must die. Die to ourselves, die to this world. Choose life, choose the narrow path.
Julia Johnson
BYNA Executive Secretary
