January 21, 2010
Central Truth
Contrary to what you might have heard, following Jesus in the manner He asks us to is NOT easy, but it's worth every effort.
"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:14)
13 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy 1 7:13 Some manuscripts For the way is wide and easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
This is a comment I first heard in college and have found it to be true in life. When I read this passage, it reminded me that Jesus was clear that obeying and following Him would be hard--very hard at times. Jesus also was clear, however, that the rewards from following Him would be worth it--both on this earth and in heaven. I think we understand this concept intellectually, but it really becomes manifested as we experience life. Take my past year for example:
A lot has happened in and around my life. God has been busy as He has blessed, pressed, and tested me. He has blessed me with a son (Benjamin), a new community group that has loved us, some memorable family meals, a healthy business and work environment, and a new appreciation and awe for Him. He has pressed me to bear fruit for Him through my life and my relationships, through increased consistency in His Word, through exhorting me to use my time, talents, and treasure for His glory (not mine), and through newfound fatherhood. Lastly, He has tested me through my wife’s cancer, my brother’s layoff, uncertainty surrounding my wife's pregnancy, a family member’s divorce, and even a broken hot water heater.
In 1 Corinthians Paul compares the Christian life to a race. Anyone who has been in a race knows that it is hard and time consuming, and it pushes you to discipline yourself when you otherwise wouldn't. Why even enter the race? Because victory is sweet, my friends! It makes it all worthwhile. Jesus knows this. That is why He commands us to run after Him without abandon.
Why, then, am I smiling in my picture? I’m smiling because I know the prize that awaits. I trust Him, whom I am trying to build my life upon, and therefore count it all as joy, even the hard stuff. You should, too.
P.S. There is actually one thing easily attained that I esteem the highest. That is a relationship with Christ. Ask me how you can get it, too.
1. Do you know how easy it is to have a relationship with Christ?
2. How hard has it been to follow Christ at times? How have you responded in the past?
3. Do you have what it takes to spurn the wide road and follow Jesus?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Who is wise (verse 24)? Who is foolish (verse 26)?
2. Reread Matthew 6:19, 7:5, and 7:12. What does Jesus teach, and are you listening and following these teachings?