The Narrow Gate

There used to be a small gate just in front of my school. Always I wondered what could be behind that gate. But never had I went into that gate, for fear of being caught by someone for sneaking into it and for fear of what might be behind that gate. In the morning while going to school, during breaks, in the evening while leaving the school and whenever I crossed by that side, I looked at it. It wasn’t a magnificent one rather an old rusty gate, but somehow it always caught my attention. The imaginary stories and speculations that my classmates used to share about all that probably was behind that gate, added more fire to the flame of my curiosity. None of my friends had also entered through that. And since I was also a very timid kid, that too kept me from exploring that gate, even though I studied in that same school from grade one to twelve. I was comfortable walking in and out of the big gate of our school along with other kids, unnoticed!

One day I saw a big man going into that gate; only then did I notice that he had the key to that gate. I had always thought that after I grew up I would be able to venture into it. Only then did I realize that even though after growing up I will not be able to enter it since I did not have the key to that gate! But sometime later, probably when I was in my tenth grade, that gate was gone! It was removed and the wall was completely sealed, preventing any entry. And I had missed the opportunity forever. I regretted that I will never be able to find out what lied behind that gate!

This is true with many of us in respect to our faith in God. We hear the call of God from Churches or prayer meetings or in the television or radio or in the internet. But many a times we fail to respond, to make a decision. Either we are fearful of people’s opinion or are intimidated or overwhelmed or prejudiced hearing the speculations of our friends and relatives about the Christian faith. Many a times we hesitate to enter that narrow and small gate, for fear – fear of people’s opinions and criticisms. Though we are curious about it, we are comfortable going along with others into wider and big gates. Because choosing to go into that narrow gate might exclude us from many. For those of us who have been living always with the I-should-not-be-noticed sense, it becomes even more difficult.

Prejudices pushes us into out-rightly shunning that narrow gate.

Jesus invites, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13,14)

Narrower is the gate to life because, the gospel is exclusive – Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6 ); Jesus Christ alone died for the sins of all people and rose again. (Matthew 20:17-19 (ESV), Matthew 27:62-66 (ESV) ); Jesus Christ alone forgives the sins of people (Matthew 9:2 (ESV); Luke 7:47-48 (ESV)).

So, the gate to life does not give much options to the seeker or rather no option at all.

This narrow gate does not promise a trouble-free life, but a triumphant life, by trusting in Jesus. It does not propagate a wealthy living, but a worthy living, by being washed in the blood of Jesus. It does not promote a famous career or future, but a fruitful future, by faith in Jesus. It does not propound a healthy body, but a holy body & soul, by heeding daily to His Word, the Bible.

I (Jesus Christ) am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.John 10:9-11 (ESV)

Which way do you go? Crossroads are before,
It’s time for you now to make your choice;

You can’t really say yea I’ll make it later on,
Tomorrow is uncertain, So keep movin’ On

Narrow is the way leading straight to home,

But you’ll never reach If you take broadway;

Broadway yes it’ll take you far from your destination

Narrow leads to life

(Song by: Isaac Joe)