Luke 13:24

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able."

The gate, that beautifully adorned gate that catches the gaze of everyone who peers in its direction. Its enrapturing allure is breathtaking. And it's not just the gate, but what's behind the gate that's even more attractive, more enticing and more compelling. The Kingdom sits behind it with its towering palaces constructed by heavenly principalities, the likes of which my mind cannot comprehend. The songs of praise echo behind the city walls, so melodious and so meticulously orchestrated that even the most notable of maestros would melt with awe.

There's but one challenge, one obstacle preventing everyone from entering. The gate, it's too narrow. In fact, it's so tight that one might even have to turn sideways to squeeze through the slim opening. Were it not for that, everyone would rush the entrance in a barrage and sea of stampede.

There are other kingdoms in view however, not too far off in the distance. In fact, they too are quite enticing. What makes them more attractive than the Kingdom of all kingdoms is the broad and wide gate that is open to all and easily entered through. There is a problem with these kingdoms however; they're mirages. Once entered and the gates are locked closed behind you after the fall of death, there's no turning back. From a vista within you can see the real Kingdom, wishing, desiring and even begging for another chance to try to squeeze in. But it's too late; even that narrow gate is now shut, locked and it's impenetrable. And those inside the Kingdom of all kingdoms are secure in a fortress that will protect them for eternity.

My own written words frighten me here. My imagination is scary. But I'm afraid it's more that just a vision, for Jesus says this is a reality. It may not be exactly as I dream, but the fact remains that the gate is indeed narrow. How shall I strive? How shall we strive to enter through it? But with the one and only source that can supply enough energy to succeed. Faith. Faith/trust in the one mediator between God and man (cf. I Timothy 2:5), and faith/trust in the Way, Truth, and Life, Jesus Christ (cf. John 14:6). Once for all, but all for Once. His faith that has become my faith has pointed me on the pathway to the gate, and now my faith shall drive my will to strive all the way across the threshold, even if I have to get there by crawling on my hands and knees, bruised, battered and breathless.

Praise be to God!