Theme: SOME PARABLES OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST
Text: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” – Matthew 7:13.
Comment: “And an high way shall be there, and a way” says Isaiah the prophet, “and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8) One major reason why the way to salvation is relatively unpopular is that it does not allow one to do as one pleases. God Almighty inspired Solomon to write: “For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” (Proverbs 4:2; Deuteronomy 4:6). While some clergy, out of love for material benefits and quest for vain glory, de-emphasize the truth, discipline, judgement, the fact is, on the day of decision, these are the very elements that would count, hence Christ in His superior wisdom termed them “the weightier matters of the law” – Matthew 23:23.
According to the text for today, Christ exhorts His disciples to choose the narrow or strait path. By “strait” He implies strict, restricted, difficult, etc. As followers of Christ, we are called to a life of complete submission to the practice of God’s righteousness according to His set standards and not to negotiate His laws. God’s message through His servant Jeremiah is definite “Obey my voice” (Jeremiah 7:23). The gulf between holiness which is found in God’s organisation and unrighteousness as found in the broad or evil way is so wide that true discipleship gives no room for compromise. – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.