Only A Few Find the Gate and Path to Life!

Jesus taught that the road to life is not easy to find, and those who walk it are few. He described this road as narrow, and the path itself, difficult. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:14, NKJV).

It's important to pause and reflect on how we came to see this path in the first place. In truth, we were once walking the broad road that leads to destruction— the road Paul described as the course of this world (Ephesians 2:1-2). Jesus likened it to a wide gate and an easy, well-traveled way. This road, though comfortable, leads only to ruin. Paul says we were "dead in our trespasses," unaware of the life that awaited us on a very different path (Ephesians 2:1).

But God, in His mercy, opened our eyes. He drew us to the narrow gate and invited us to enter a path that might seem less traveled— an upward, sometimes difficult way, full of challenges. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). The invitation was not to a life of ease but to a life of purpose, a life that leads to eternal Life and into the Kingdom of God.

To walk this path, we first had to understand that the way to life was made possible only through Jesus’ sacrifice. As Peter explained, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). We believed that this path, though requiring overcoming and growth, leads to the Kingdom of God and eternal life, and we were given clear instructions on how to continue to progress on this path.

First, we learned that to stay on the path, we must be nourished daily by the Word of God. Just as physical food is necessary for survival, spiritual nourishment is essential for strength on this journey. Skipping meals along the way makes it much harder to continue (John 6:48-51).

Second, we were warned about the spiritual dangers along this road. Like a roaring lion, the enemy prowls, seeking to devour those who stray (1 Peter 5:8). But we are not left defenseless. We have been given the armor of God to protect us from all the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18).

The path is challenging at times but also with its blessings, it is the only path that leads to life. And though our journey is ongoing, let us never forget the great privilege it is to have found the narrow gate. It is by God that we have been given the understanding that it is a path worth walking.

As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2025, let us continue to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). Let us feed on the Word, wear our spiritual armor, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

May this Sabbath be a time of peace and encouragement as we press forward in 2025

W.M. Bradford 

https://youtu.be/ZlsIX4kHm7k