Thursday night in bible study John 14 was highlighted for us. As I was reading this morning to meditate on this chapter a little longer I was struck with revelation.
John 14: 1-4 says,
"Do note let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
“You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Wow. Just meditate on that for a second.
This is Jesus talking to the disciples. How would they know the way?
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No on comes to the Father except through me."
-John 14:5-6
Jesus is the ONLY way. No other god can bring salvation like the Lord can. There is no way around it and no other way through it. The path following Him is narrow. It is the only way that leads to everlasting life.
"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 a few find it."
-Matthew 7:13-14
Is it a literal road? No. Jesus is speaking metaphorically. He is saying that the way is narrow because it isn’t the popular route in life. He says that only a few find it. Whew. Think of all the people in the world and how widespread the gospel is thanks to technology, missionaries, and the Church. Only a few will walk this road.
Those who walk the narrow way stand on the Truth of God’s word. Those who make a deliberate, everyday decision to follow Christ walk this path. Is it for everyone? The answer is YES! Jesus came so that we ALL may be saved. It isn’t too late to change course! The reason why He tarries is because He wants you!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
-John 3:16
How can we walk this narrow way leading to life? We have to forsake worldly desires and pleasures. It is not easy since we live in a world where there is instant gratification, celebrated selfishness, and perversion. It can be hard to stand up for Jesus since being associated with Him, just like the disciples, puts a target on our backs since the world knows what we stand for!
How do we stay focused? We keep our eyes fixed on the beautiful face of Jesus.
"Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
-Hebrews 12:2
We can endure this race because He went before you! Just like the bible says that John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus, Jesus came to prepare the narrow road for you! Reference Mark 1:1-6 NLT
"My Father's house has many rooms."
There is also a place that has already been prepared for you. A place in Heaven where you may dwell forever with Him. The narrow way is the only place that leads there.
I used to walk the wide, broad path. I was selfish and only concerned about doing things that made me happy. The misconception is that all who choose this way are evil people. But that isn’t true at all. If you are living for yourself and not for Him then you are on a path that leads to destruction. If you haven’t surrendered your life to the Lord, you have chosen a path that will not lead to Him. Being a good person doesn’t mean the doors will automatically open for you. We have to KNOW Him and live our lives FOR Him.
I don’t mean to sound harsh but teachers and ministers of the gospel have sugar coated John 14. I love all who reads this blog and I want to see you whole, healed, and set free! This is the word of God and sometimes it cuts like a knife. But Jesus said these words because even more than me, HE LOVES YOU.
Is the broad path that attractive to make you forfeit eternity with the man who prepared a room for you in Heaven?
For me, that used to be yes. But since I have decided to follow Jesus, I am not turning back. This Earth and all we have shall pass away, but the kingdom of God will stand! Live for eternal things not natural possessions that won’t last forever!
"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does this will of God lives forever."
1 John 2:17 NIV
Jesus said He is coming back to take what belongs to Him. That is those who are on the narrow way. That gives me comfort that He is aware of me. He knows that you are trying and striving for Heaven. Stay in it! Cling to other believers! He is coming back for a remanent, not those who have chosen to follow the crowd on the easy road. Follow Jesus on the path that was already prepared for you!
When I feel like I start wonder off, I play this song and it brings me back to a place of honesty with the Lord. Today pray, “Lord help me.” I promise you HE WILL.
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
-Isaiah 41:13
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