I don't know about you but I have enjoyed watching some of the Olympic Games taking place in Paris. I was especially interested in women's gymnastics and cheering on team USA! One of my favorite athletes on the team is none other than the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) Simone Biles. It seems like she can accomplish some of the most amazing gymnastic moves with what appears to be a sense of ease, when in reality the degree of difficulty is very high. She has even created a few gymnastics moves that have been named after her. One of the intriguing and somewhat nail biting events is the balance beam. The beam itself is only 4 inches wide, so there is little margin for error when the gymnasts perform their routines. If the beam were a bit wider, it would be much easier to walk on without falling off on either side. It takes time, patience, and practice to stay on that 4 inch wide beam but in the end as Simone Biles has demonstrated the effort is worth it if it results in an Olympic Medal.
TWO GATES, TWO ROADS
In Matthew 7:13-14 we read, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only few find it." (NIV) Matthew chapter 7 is part of what is referred to as Jesus's Sermon on the Mount in which He criticizes the Pharisees and religious leaders for their self-righteousness. Jesus' criticism comes in the form of Him raising the bar on the requirements of the law in such a way, that what is expected becomes nearly impossible to achieve thus demonstrating that human efforts will not gain entrance to heaven. In verses 13-14, Jesus focuses on the fact that not everyone will choose the path of faith and righteousness, but instead, many will follow the easier and more popular path that leads to destruction. In the context of ancient kingdom imagery, the wider gate is where commerce took place, and would represent in our day what most people chase after, such as power and wealth. The wide gate is also where religious elders would sit, symbolizing the pursuit of honor and societal approval. On the other hand, the narrow gate symbolizes a life represented by the upside-down values of Jesus's kingdom.The wide gate represents the easy, popular way that many choose, while the narrow gate is the challenging, less traveled path that leads to true fulfillment aligned with the values of God's kingdom. It seems like in our culture and in our world, we prefer not to struggle or be challenged but rather feel entitled to what we desire. Manual labor? "No thank you that requires too much effort. I'd rather sit in an office or at home and work on a computer." Wait for our food to cook? "Nope, I'll just pop it in the microwave." Please don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the convenience in utilizing technology to help improve quality of life. However, it's the accompanying attitude of pride, arrogance and entitlement wherein the challenge lies.
DESTRUCTION OR LIFE?
The essential idea that Jesus is conveying is the wide road is broad and easy. It is the way of self-centeredness, and the majority travel that road. The other way is narrow and hard to find. Only a few travel the road of personal commitment and discipline. One road leads to destruction and the other to eternal life. These verses are primarily focused on our future destiny but also speak as well of life here and now. It describes two ways to live:two ways that separate and lead to two distinct destinies. Jesus's words call for mindful decision-making regarding one's life direction. He urges His followers to make a conscious decision in choosing their path while at the same time being fully aware of the implications of their choices, both in this life and for eternity. Jesus calls His followers to align themselves more closely with Him and the way of His kingdom. The choice is clear: follow the crowd with it's leaning towards taking the path of least resistance, or join the few who accept the limiting demands of loyalty to Christ. The easy way will turn out hard, it ends in destruction, whereas the hard way will lead to eternal joy, or in other words life. Christianity never promises an easy journey but just like those Olympic gymnast's hard work, perseverance, and keeping their "eyes on the prize" achieves a great reward so the Bible tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:2-4;12 NIV) What gate will you enter through and what road will you choose to follow?
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Sheree
