By Fenter Northern
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. Matt. 7:13-14
God help us to walk in righteousness and be among the few. We Americans have been so blessed to have been born in this country where the few who do not flow with the crowd are protected by laws that protect religious freedom. Thousands risk their lives dreaming of coming here. Some spoiled ingrates who curse our flag should go to a country of their better choice. Some backward nations have laws for capital punishment for worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. Although lately there have been some horrible incidents against worshippers here, it is still against the law, which is contrary to many other governments in the world. Our freedom of worship is protected, thank the Lord.
Ever ask yourself what is wrong with the vast majority of the world’s population who oppose the love of God in Christ?” The apostle John said the sinless Jesus came to his own people only to be killed by them. They were ceremonially worshipping God in a gorgeous temple in Jerusalem that Jesus said God had forsaken for their refusal to accept the message of His Son. This was regardless of John the Baptist’s testimony, the greatest prophet that ever lived, who preached that Jesus was the One for whom Israel had been looking.
They were looking for a king to come – however, for one that fit their expectations – one that would defeat their enemies, deliver them from foreign oppression, and restore Israel to the old days of glory.
A new spiritual kingdom where the Messiah ruled righteously from His throne within the heart with the end of animal sacrifices was dangerous. It was vigorously opposed by Caiaphas, the mercenary high priest, who was trafficking in sacrifices for personal gain. Jesus said they had made His Father’s house a den of merchandise.
Early in Jesus’ career, his people saw him miraculously feeding thousands as he traveled about the countryside, healing those with incurable diseases, giving sight to the blind, and restoring the bodies of the disabled. They were so amazed at these miracles; they wanted to make him their earthly king by force. However, when Jesus objected, saying his kingdom was not of this world, their enthusiasm waned, and the crowds began to drift away. The exodus became so great he asked the twelve disciples if they were also going to depart. They remained loyal.
Harsh criticism set in by the fickle crowds who said His teaching made them sick. Their contempt was nourished by a jealous priesthood that saw Jesus’ popularity as a threat to their livelihood. The priests would have gladly accepted Jesus as their Messiah if they could set his policy and direct his affairs. Isn’t that ever modern? It has been so down through the centuries, causing some believers to drift from their first love and write their own creeds. One may read in the early chapters of Revelation where five of seven churches addressed had critical problems and were told they must repent and hear the word.
After three centuries of severe persecution against the faithful, hope for a spiritual awakening was realized when Constantine issued his Edict of Toleration early in the 4th century. Persecution cease. Christianity became popular, bringing many into the church that were unconverted to the faith. The few true believers will be shunted into the background as apostasy thrived in a system of renewed priesthood arose. Internal friction thrived over which would be the greatest having the final say in settling ecclesiastical disputes. Persecution that was no longer without raised its ugly head from within.
Fifteen long centuries of formalized church religion dragged on with increasing departure from apostolic doctrine. Then again, a significant reformation period in the 16th century dawned led by Martin Luther, who objected to ecclesiastical laws contrary to God’s word. This was somewhat successful but short-lived as followers of Luther splintered into denominational groups espousing private preferences of Scripture interpretation. The Christian world still suffers from this plague.
Jesus prayed for unity, yet, wide differences continue to plague the Christian community. With sad and concerned hearts, the apostles spoke of departures from the true faith. Peter spoke of it in saying: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them, the way of truth will be blasphemed. (2 Pet. 2:1-2)
Paul faulted church leadership in congregations for making disciples to follow themselves rather than Christ: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears (Acts 20:28-31)
After speaking of large departures from His teaching in his parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of the few as “they.” “These are they, He said.” (MK 4:20) The “they” He spoke of were those who received the good seed into their hearts – i.e., they were among the few to choose the strait gate and the narrow way to life. Let’s ask ourselves soberly if we are among the few who prefer the pure seed of the word of God, unadulterated in any way by our preferred views. The few “they,” He said, are those of honest and good hearts.
He knows the few are not perfect – perfection is the goal for which the few strive. The few are those who “study to show themselves approved unto God; a workman that does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus said these few “bring forth fruit with patience,” meaning they stick to it throughout life. Their eyes are open toward the sunburst of eternity, where eternal rest from ungodliness will begin.
Meantime, the few are patient and pray for strength, for in our own strength, we are indeed feeble. The great apostle said a crown of life was laid up for all those who love the Lord; their power of salvation is by faith in the Gospel of Christ.
Knowing this, let’s strive to be among “the few” who happily seek through an unbiased study of the New Testament, to increase our faith, knowing personally, with the apostle Paul, that true “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Faith in God’s word as it was originally written, with the original meaning the inspired writers intended to convey, provides the victory that overcomes the world with assured entrance to the tree of life. Let’s pray to be among the few.