"In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:17-18)
John Newton has probably one of the most heart-touching personal testimonies of any sinner saved by God's grace, beloved! Because of a hard life as a youth, Newton ended up as a crew member on ships involved in the deplorable slave trade during the 1700's. He was in and out of trouble until in a storm at sea he professed his faith in God's grace and his life changed. After leaving the sea, Newton married and he and his wife became involved in the church community. He met and became friends with a gifted writer named William Cowper and in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England where Newton served as pastor, they wrote poems and hymns together to be sung in worship services at the church. Among those famous "Olney Hymns" was the beloved Amazing Grace. Among the words written in one of the verses in this well-known hymn are those found in the title of this week's devotional thoughts:
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures,
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
For Newton it was the unfailing promise of God's grace that "secured" his hope for eternal life, his assurance of his salvation. And why should we today feel just as he did about our own security before God? Because as the author of Hebrews has written - "it is impossible for God to lie"! What greater foundation could possibly rest beneath our faith than this, beloved? If God said it, He'll do it! If God promised it, He'll bring it to pass!
Let me encourage you to allow God's unfailing word to "secure" your hope today. If a slave trader turned preacher like John Newton can find assurance for the promise of God's grace, then you and I should be just as astounded at how "amazing" that grace truly is! And recall with me just where that eternal hope is leading as expressed in another verse added later and published in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852:
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun
How secure is your hope today, beloved? It is if your hope is resting solidly on God's unfailing word. May it be so in all of our lives today!
Ron
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Traveling with the Right People
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)
That which really comes to mind when I think about this week's closing theme - "traveling with the right people" - has to be those occasions when I have been privileged to be involved with missions teams in sharing the good news of Christ not only here in the continental U.S. but also internationally. Talk about traveling with the right people! What a blessing to work side by side with devoted followers of Jesus Christ on such occasions!
As we wrap up our consideration of Jesus' discourse concerning the "narrow" path and the "broad" path, we find ourselves faced with this very issue - those who travel each of these thoroughfares. Note here that Jesus said of the broad way that "many' are those who walk it. And why do you suppose the broad way that leads to destruction is today so well-traveled? I believe that it is so first of all because it attracts so many different types of people. While it is true that many atheists and pagans will travel its wide path, still it is also true that many a devout "religious" person will walk it as well. Very simply, it will be traveled by all of those who have never genuinely put their trust in Jesus Christ so as to be saved by the grace of God.
But this "broad" way is also flooded with so many people because they will think that they are safely on the other road. Jesus warned men of His day that all of these will face Him ultimately having lived under such a veil of satanic deceit:
"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:22-23)
These folks, then, will have convinced themselves that they were on the "other" road the whole time, all because of their supposed "religiosity." Yet Jesus will destroy their delusions by revealing to them that they have been on the wrong road the whole time!
Jesus also told His listeners that the "narrow" way by contrast will only be found and entered by the few. Once again few will travel here because on the other road are so many who believe themselves to be traveling on this road instead. You see, beloved, God's gate is not small nor His road narrow because God's love and grace are limited. Not at all! Rather they are so because those whom He loves so much are not willing to pay the price to walk here.
Finally, this will be a road walked by so few because in the final analysis people simply do not want Jesus Christ. That is an extremely bitter pill for us as Christians to swallow today! Yet the Scriptures teach us that those who want to come to Jesus can come to Jesus. But as we find so clearly spelled out in the words of the Apostle John:
"This is the judgment, that the Light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil" (John 3:19)
How sad that the reality which we must face is that so many today choose to walk the "broad" way because they believe that it will lead them at last to a loving and non-judgmental God! As the Apostle Paul expressed to the saints in Corinth concerning this greatest of all tragedies:
"And if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
What pathway are you walking today, my friend? This is a wonderful moment for each of us to take a long look and make sure that we are, indeed, on the "narrow" way that leads to eternal life. Quoting Paul's words to the Corinthians once again:
"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Ron
That which really comes to mind when I think about this week's closing theme - "traveling with the right people" - has to be those occasions when I have been privileged to be involved with missions teams in sharing the good news of Christ not only here in the continental U.S. but also internationally. Talk about traveling with the right people! What a blessing to work side by side with devoted followers of Jesus Christ on such occasions!
As we wrap up our consideration of Jesus' discourse concerning the "narrow" path and the "broad" path, we find ourselves faced with this very issue - those who travel each of these thoroughfares. Note here that Jesus said of the broad way that "many' are those who walk it. And why do you suppose the broad way that leads to destruction is today so well-traveled? I believe that it is so first of all because it attracts so many different types of people. While it is true that many atheists and pagans will travel its wide path, still it is also true that many a devout "religious" person will walk it as well. Very simply, it will be traveled by all of those who have never genuinely put their trust in Jesus Christ so as to be saved by the grace of God.
But this "broad" way is also flooded with so many people because they will think that they are safely on the other road. Jesus warned men of His day that all of these will face Him ultimately having lived under such a veil of satanic deceit:
"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:22-23)
These folks, then, will have convinced themselves that they were on the "other" road the whole time, all because of their supposed "religiosity." Yet Jesus will destroy their delusions by revealing to them that they have been on the wrong road the whole time!
Jesus also told His listeners that the "narrow" way by contrast will only be found and entered by the few. Once again few will travel here because on the other road are so many who believe themselves to be traveling on this road instead. You see, beloved, God's gate is not small nor His road narrow because God's love and grace are limited. Not at all! Rather they are so because those whom He loves so much are not willing to pay the price to walk here.
Finally, this will be a road walked by so few because in the final analysis people simply do not want Jesus Christ. That is an extremely bitter pill for us as Christians to swallow today! Yet the Scriptures teach us that those who want to come to Jesus can come to Jesus. But as we find so clearly spelled out in the words of the Apostle John:
"This is the judgment, that the Light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil" (John 3:19)
How sad that the reality which we must face is that so many today choose to walk the "broad" way because they believe that it will lead them at last to a loving and non-judgmental God! As the Apostle Paul expressed to the saints in Corinth concerning this greatest of all tragedies:
"And if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
What pathway are you walking today, my friend? This is a wonderful moment for each of us to take a long look and make sure that we are, indeed, on the "narrow" way that leads to eternal life. Quoting Paul's words to the Corinthians once again:
"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Ron
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Are We There Yet?
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)
Any parent who has ever taken a trip of any length with a child in the car has no doubt heard the famous question: "Are we there yet?" I know that we heard it many times from our kids and I admit reluctantly that my sisters and I asked it of our parents years before that. It seems that we have an amazing fascination, then, with getting to our destination as human beings! What is less certain, however, is what the exact destination may turn out to be.
As we return once again to Jesus' parable about the broad and narrow roads entered by the wide and small gates, we turn our attention this week to the issue of the final destination to which each road leads. Jesus said that the broad way leads to "destruction." The Greek word apoleia refers to a "loss of well-being" and not to a loss of personal being. Simply the one on this road is separated eternally from the love and mercy of God. So if the "broad" way leads to such everlasting destruction, why is it that so many people go there? One reason I believe that this path is so well-traveled is because it hides its true end from all who choose it. No traveler on the broad way, beloved, will ever see a road sign reading "Hell - 25 miles"! Not one person will know what awaits him until he arrives there and it is too late.
By contrast Jesus said that the narrow way leads to "life" and that few people ever find that road. And why would a path in life leading to such a glorious destination be so infrequently traveled? I believe that one reason is that sin wants nothing to do with God in this life. No one who is presently enjoying the passing pleasures of sin even wants to know that such a path as this one exists! They would rather choose to believe that a "God of love" would never judge anyone or consign them to eternal perdition. Yet on this "narrow" way is the sweetest fellowship with Jesus to be found! We can actually enjoy His company in the here and now, beloved. Thus, eternal life is a destination which we may know and a lifestyle which we may choose to experience every moment of every day right now.
Are we there yet? Not yet. But our arrival at this eternal destination is assured, beloved, as long as we have chosen to enter by the "small" gate and are walking the "narrow" way. As we travel this road daily, Jesus Himself desires to walk with us and to guide us every step of the way. We have His promise of that!
Ron
Any parent who has ever taken a trip of any length with a child in the car has no doubt heard the famous question: "Are we there yet?" I know that we heard it many times from our kids and I admit reluctantly that my sisters and I asked it of our parents years before that. It seems that we have an amazing fascination, then, with getting to our destination as human beings! What is less certain, however, is what the exact destination may turn out to be.
As we return once again to Jesus' parable about the broad and narrow roads entered by the wide and small gates, we turn our attention this week to the issue of the final destination to which each road leads. Jesus said that the broad way leads to "destruction." The Greek word apoleia refers to a "loss of well-being" and not to a loss of personal being. Simply the one on this road is separated eternally from the love and mercy of God. So if the "broad" way leads to such everlasting destruction, why is it that so many people go there? One reason I believe that this path is so well-traveled is because it hides its true end from all who choose it. No traveler on the broad way, beloved, will ever see a road sign reading "Hell - 25 miles"! Not one person will know what awaits him until he arrives there and it is too late.
By contrast Jesus said that the narrow way leads to "life" and that few people ever find that road. And why would a path in life leading to such a glorious destination be so infrequently traveled? I believe that one reason is that sin wants nothing to do with God in this life. No one who is presently enjoying the passing pleasures of sin even wants to know that such a path as this one exists! They would rather choose to believe that a "God of love" would never judge anyone or consign them to eternal perdition. Yet on this "narrow" way is the sweetest fellowship with Jesus to be found! We can actually enjoy His company in the here and now, beloved. Thus, eternal life is a destination which we may know and a lifestyle which we may choose to experience every moment of every day right now.
Are we there yet? Not yet. But our arrival at this eternal destination is assured, beloved, as long as we have chosen to enter by the "small" gate and are walking the "narrow" way. As we travel this road daily, Jesus Himself desires to walk with us and to guide us every step of the way. We have His promise of that!
Ron
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Are You on the Right Road?
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)
Few things are more frustrating, and at times more terrifying, than to find yourself on the wrong road while traveling! Maybe you know the feeling, beloved. You made a wrong turn somewhere, got off on the wrong exit and now you are on a road that leads to...well, you're not sure where it leads!
Did you know that this very scenario is played out every day, not just on the highways of the world, but spiritually in the lives of people everywhere? Jesus said that there is a road that is traveled by many which is plainly and simply the wrong road. As we return this week to the consideration we began last time of two very familiar verses of Scripture, we recall that one road described by Jesus is accessible by a gate that is very "wide," while the other choice is reached by a gate that is very "small." For a refresher on what we considered last week, may I suggest that you check out the devotional here that precedes this one?
In our focal verses, we find Jesus declaring first that the "wide" gate leads to a "broad" way. Isn't it fascinating that this first gate should enter to its own "Broadway" considering our own knowledge of that well-known American street in New York City? And why would such a road be so "broad" as Jesus has described it? I personally believe that one reason for its generous width must surely be because no standard of living exists to hem in the traveler's lifestyle. On the devil's "Broadway," beloved, every person will live by his own self-imposed moral or immoral standard. These life-travelers will be much like the ancient Hebrews during the oversight of the judges of Israel and about whom the Scriptures record:
"In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6)
Surely another reason why this "broad" way will be so, beloved, is because there are so many worldly enticements to stop the traveler along the way. With few standards of moral conduct in place, the simple fact is that most any lifestyle is permissible and even encouraged. Recall what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome regarding circumstances of that day:
"And, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them" (Romans 1:32)
Specifically Paul had just been writing to them about the sexual perversions of the day so familiar to them, beloved, and followed it by stating that men not only practiced such abominations, but even encouraged others to do the same! How much like our own society today does this sound? Very simply, the general attitude on the "broad" way is that if enough people are doing it there must be nothing wrong with it!
By contrast, Jesus also described the way which can be entered by the gate that is "small" and said that it is a "narrow" path to travel. But why would it be narrow? I personally believe that it is narrow first of all because the only standard of conduct present is the holiness of God Himself. There simply is no room for the world's indulgences on this road, beloved! This way will be traveled solely by those who have chosen to turn away from sin and to Jesus Christ in faith, those who desire more than anything else to live in a manner that is pleasing to God.
But another reason surely why this road is "narrow" is because the traveler here has but one focus in life. The one entering upon this path by the "small" gate is the one whose gaze is fixed solidly upon the Lord Jesus Christ. This, then, will be the highway of self-denial and not of self-indulgence. With the Apostle Paul these travelers are those who "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14)
Which road are you traveling at this very moment, beloved? Is it the "Broadway" of a lost world or the "narrow" way of a risen Savior? Can we say with W. Elmo Mercer in his beautiful hymn?
"Each step I take I know that He will guide me,
To higher ground He ever leads me on;
Until some day the last step will be taken,
Each step I take just leads me closer home"
Ron
Few things are more frustrating, and at times more terrifying, than to find yourself on the wrong road while traveling! Maybe you know the feeling, beloved. You made a wrong turn somewhere, got off on the wrong exit and now you are on a road that leads to...well, you're not sure where it leads!
Did you know that this very scenario is played out every day, not just on the highways of the world, but spiritually in the lives of people everywhere? Jesus said that there is a road that is traveled by many which is plainly and simply the wrong road. As we return this week to the consideration we began last time of two very familiar verses of Scripture, we recall that one road described by Jesus is accessible by a gate that is very "wide," while the other choice is reached by a gate that is very "small." For a refresher on what we considered last week, may I suggest that you check out the devotional here that precedes this one?
In our focal verses, we find Jesus declaring first that the "wide" gate leads to a "broad" way. Isn't it fascinating that this first gate should enter to its own "Broadway" considering our own knowledge of that well-known American street in New York City? And why would such a road be so "broad" as Jesus has described it? I personally believe that one reason for its generous width must surely be because no standard of living exists to hem in the traveler's lifestyle. On the devil's "Broadway," beloved, every person will live by his own self-imposed moral or immoral standard. These life-travelers will be much like the ancient Hebrews during the oversight of the judges of Israel and about whom the Scriptures record:
"In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6)
Surely another reason why this "broad" way will be so, beloved, is because there are so many worldly enticements to stop the traveler along the way. With few standards of moral conduct in place, the simple fact is that most any lifestyle is permissible and even encouraged. Recall what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome regarding circumstances of that day:
"And, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them" (Romans 1:32)
Specifically Paul had just been writing to them about the sexual perversions of the day so familiar to them, beloved, and followed it by stating that men not only practiced such abominations, but even encouraged others to do the same! How much like our own society today does this sound? Very simply, the general attitude on the "broad" way is that if enough people are doing it there must be nothing wrong with it!
By contrast, Jesus also described the way which can be entered by the gate that is "small" and said that it is a "narrow" path to travel. But why would it be narrow? I personally believe that it is narrow first of all because the only standard of conduct present is the holiness of God Himself. There simply is no room for the world's indulgences on this road, beloved! This way will be traveled solely by those who have chosen to turn away from sin and to Jesus Christ in faith, those who desire more than anything else to live in a manner that is pleasing to God.
But another reason surely why this road is "narrow" is because the traveler here has but one focus in life. The one entering upon this path by the "small" gate is the one whose gaze is fixed solidly upon the Lord Jesus Christ. This, then, will be the highway of self-denial and not of self-indulgence. With the Apostle Paul these travelers are those who "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14)
Which road are you traveling at this very moment, beloved? Is it the "Broadway" of a lost world or the "narrow" way of a risen Savior? Can we say with W. Elmo Mercer in his beautiful hymn?
"Each step I take I know that He will guide me,
To higher ground He ever leads me on;
Until some day the last step will be taken,
Each step I take just leads me closer home"
Ron
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Squeezing through the Turnstile
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)
These are among some of the most sobering words ever spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ during His ministry on earth, beloved! And their importance to all of us today is the very reason I want to take the time over the next several editions of these weekly devotionals to share with you just how critical they are to us. In Jesus' words we find essentially four key elements present: the gate entered, the road walked, the destination reached, and the travelers present. Let's begin this week just by looking at what Jesus said about the "gate" that is chosen by every man.
Note first here that Jesus declared that one of the two gates which man will choose is "wide." I would like to share with you some reasons for such a wide gate. One reason is certainly because the road to which it leads is meant to accommodate the largest crowd possible. Satan's desire is simply that as many as possible choose this gate and enter the road to which it leads. Yet even as he does everything possible to make that happen, he is fully aware that God by contrast does not want anyone to choose the gate that is "wide":
"The Lord is not slow about His promises, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9)
And another reason why this gate is so "wide" is that it is also meant to attract the largest crowd possible. There must be plenty of room for Satan's enticements and his "toys," each of these strategically placed along the way so as to catch the eye of the self-seeking and the self-serving who travel here.
By contrast, however, Jesus next declared that the other gate available for entering is "small." Why would it be small in contrast to one that is wide? What would be the sense in that? I believe that one reason why this gate is "small" is because Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father. Jesus made this point clear again and again to His listeners:
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me'" (John 14:6)
Thus, this gate is not small because God is limited in any way, beloved, but because there is only one way to eternal life! This is a message that needs desperately to be told again and again to a lost world.
This gate is "small" for another reason as well. It is so because each person must choose to enter by himself. There simply is no such thing as "mass" evangelism or corporate salvation! Each of us must choose for himself which gate he will enter, and only for himself. We must enter by faith, putting our trust in Jesus Christ. to save us.
Finally, this gate is surely "small" because we can take nothing of this present life into it as we enter. I recall the narrow turnstiles on the Metro system in New York City and how you would have to turn sideways to squeeze through to the platform on the other side. We cannot take with us any of our sinful practices or worldly entertainments or good works in which we may have trusted beforehand. Nor can we take with us even our our personal agenda for how we will live our lives.
Jesus said concerning the gates before every man, beloved, that one is "wide" and the other is "small." Which gate have you entered? Which road are you traveling? Scripture urges us to examine ourselves to be sure that we are in the faith. And if you are saved, what of those whom you know and about whom you care? Are you seeking to influence their choice of a gate in order to insure that they find the way to eternal life?
Ron
These are among some of the most sobering words ever spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ during His ministry on earth, beloved! And their importance to all of us today is the very reason I want to take the time over the next several editions of these weekly devotionals to share with you just how critical they are to us. In Jesus' words we find essentially four key elements present: the gate entered, the road walked, the destination reached, and the travelers present. Let's begin this week just by looking at what Jesus said about the "gate" that is chosen by every man.
Note first here that Jesus declared that one of the two gates which man will choose is "wide." I would like to share with you some reasons for such a wide gate. One reason is certainly because the road to which it leads is meant to accommodate the largest crowd possible. Satan's desire is simply that as many as possible choose this gate and enter the road to which it leads. Yet even as he does everything possible to make that happen, he is fully aware that God by contrast does not want anyone to choose the gate that is "wide":
"The Lord is not slow about His promises, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9)
And another reason why this gate is so "wide" is that it is also meant to attract the largest crowd possible. There must be plenty of room for Satan's enticements and his "toys," each of these strategically placed along the way so as to catch the eye of the self-seeking and the self-serving who travel here.
By contrast, however, Jesus next declared that the other gate available for entering is "small." Why would it be small in contrast to one that is wide? What would be the sense in that? I believe that one reason why this gate is "small" is because Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father. Jesus made this point clear again and again to His listeners:
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me'" (John 14:6)
Thus, this gate is not small because God is limited in any way, beloved, but because there is only one way to eternal life! This is a message that needs desperately to be told again and again to a lost world.
This gate is "small" for another reason as well. It is so because each person must choose to enter by himself. There simply is no such thing as "mass" evangelism or corporate salvation! Each of us must choose for himself which gate he will enter, and only for himself. We must enter by faith, putting our trust in Jesus Christ. to save us.
Finally, this gate is surely "small" because we can take nothing of this present life into it as we enter. I recall the narrow turnstiles on the Metro system in New York City and how you would have to turn sideways to squeeze through to the platform on the other side. We cannot take with us any of our sinful practices or worldly entertainments or good works in which we may have trusted beforehand. Nor can we take with us even our our personal agenda for how we will live our lives.
Jesus said concerning the gates before every man, beloved, that one is "wide" and the other is "small." Which gate have you entered? Which road are you traveling? Scripture urges us to examine ourselves to be sure that we are in the faith. And if you are saved, what of those whom you know and about whom you care? Are you seeking to influence their choice of a gate in order to insure that they find the way to eternal life?
Ron
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