The Narrow Gate

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:21-23)

It is hard for those with great possessions, great talents or skills, great appeal, or great influence to walk through the narrow gate that only the "poor in spirit" can enter. The words of Jesus cut through every good intention, every ounce of human goodness, and every effort at self-justification, and they point of need in each of us -- He is everything we need. In order to receive Jesus, there must first be the realization that we can do nothing apart from Him -- nothing spiritual, nothing of any eternal consequence, and nothing holy. We can only serve God acceptably on His terms and by the power of His Spirit. Then, we can focus on Jesus, pick up our cross, enter into the life He alone offers, and follow Him.

We suppose God is sympathetic to us and His love is unconditional, but that is an egregious error. God's love is very much conditional, and Jesus is God's condition. No one comes to the Father but by Jesus and the terms He lays down. "Go your way, sell whatever you have . . ." This is where our devotion lives or dies, because the Lord's terms are strict and unchanging. His Word is clear and binding -- all or nothing. Remember, Jesus gave all, and so must we.

Let's Pray - Father, Jesus is the only way to heaven. May I turn away from every effort to please You and simply look to Jesus. He is the beginning and end of my faith. Amen.