Matthew 7:13-14 ESV
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Isaiah 35:8 ESV
And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Wrestling. That is what these scriptures have caused me to do. Wrestle with God. What do you mean? Narrow gate and wide gate. Is that about salvation or self-effort and grace? I don’t really like Matthew 11:28-30 because this is not what my life is like. It is hard and difficult. It isn’t restful and easy. The Christian life is difficult, and all I hear is to keep trying and do better. These are statements I made a few years ago, but after much wrestling and looking up the Greek words, I have found these words to be full of life and exactly what I need.
Narrow gate and wide gate. What is this about? I like The Message version for these verses – “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life – to God! – is vigorous and requires total attention.” You see Jesus is the narrow gate, but more than that. The word narrow means path as a rutted or worn path. Jesus has already walked through the narrow gate. He has already gone before me, so I can trust and follow Him because even though I can’t see what is ahead, He can. He knows what is on the path as He has already encountered it. Religion and self-effort is the wide gate and many times it does seem to be easier, but it leads to bondage. Shortcuts to God don’t work. The way to Jesus requires time because it is a relationship. He is not a checklist. Spending time getting to know HIM as my friend. Exchanging stories and heartaches. He is the Way of the abundant life. It will not be pretty or always acceptable, but He is always with me and we walk hand in hand.
He says in Matthew 11:28-30 that He will give me rest. Rest means refresh, relax, quiet, remain, and to cease from the law. I can rest in HIM. It is not following the law of religion and self-effort. He gives me a refreshing, quietness, and calmness. Next, He says “Take my yoke upon you”. He is united with me. We are living this life together as one. Where I go He goes. I can learn from Him as He whispers, nudges, and leads. It is a lifestyle of listening because He does speak to me. He is not a harsh taskmaster, but a gentleman. He will not coerce or demand it. He again will give rest for my weariness of life. Lastly, He says, and this is my favorite part, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. He is united with me and life with Him is easy because He is kind, good, and He will furnish what is needed. He knows what I already need and is in the process of providing the provision. He knows. His load is light because we are His sheep. Sheep are not burden carrying animals. If they carry a load, then they will fall over and possibly die. They are not created to be carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, and neither are we. His Way is the best way because it brings life to our total being; spirit, soul, and body. Let Him.