A Narrow Channel

Matthew 7:13&14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

The channel markers show the way

Bringing a boat (safely) out of a dock usually involves follow a specific course along a channel. The channel is the path defined as having a sufficient depth of water to allow safe passage. The channel may be mark the main course of a river or the area where the bottom has been dredged. In some locations you follow aids to navigation in the form of buoys set out to mark the channel. When boaters stay in the channel, they are safe. When they leave the channel, they place themselves in an at risk condition. One of the most classic, and tragic examples, of running aground is the grounding of the cruise ship Costa Concordia in 2012. People can lose their lives when a decision is made to depart from the safe route.

For some who look at the Matthew7:13&14 they find words of discouragement. The challenge set forth in these verses can seem daunting to the casual observer/reader. They may read it, and be left with the thought of 'A narrow gate, many try, only a few find it. I surely will fail.' And when taken out of context that is exactly what one can be left thinking. The truth is the path, or channel for those nautically inclined, is narrow but well marked. The channel is marked by the words of Ephesians 2:8&9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.   It is the path of faith that leads to salvation. Christ  did the navigation work. He laid out the channel markers. When we stop trying to earn redemption and look to the cross for our salvation we find the course to follow in our lives. When we stop trying to rack up points by completing good deeds or stop trying to buy our way into heaven, then we find ourselves on the right course. Please go not misinterpret what I am saying. Good deeds and giving charitably are things we do out of love. We show love because we were first loved by God our Father. But these actions do not earn our salvation. Jesus did what we could not do. His sacrifice on the cross paid the terrible price, and we are the benefactors of that phenomenal act of love. When we accept the cross for what it really means, we find the narrow path is actually well marked. It has been marked by the blood of Christ. Follow Christ along the narrow path. Stay in the channel and do not be tempted to try another course.

PEAYER: Father help us as we follow Christ. Give us the faith to stay the course. Guide us with the light of Christ. Send down Your Holy Spirit to fill us with the faith we need to endure the temptation to jump off course. Help us to avoid the path chosen by many who try to earn redemption. Let us not be tempted by the foolish wisdom of man to deny Jesus. This we ask in the name of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.