The Narrow Door

Have you ever read Luke 12:51 and been struck by the harshness of the Truth.

Even Jesus' disciples were confused at His teachings that day, saying "Are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone".

Preceding this, Jesus talks about ... The Servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.
We are held accountable after hearing God's will and instructions. I don't know what metaphorically or in parable 'many blows' is but that's not something I am interested in. Strong words from our loving Savior. So I am writing this to you to share what God has placed on my heart, so that I might be obedient to Him and be a blessing to you.

Then comes Luke 12:49
I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

In Greek the word fire (Pyr) is Fire but has additional meanings of STRIFE and TRIALS. Jesus said that He has come to bring division and that He wished the strife and trials has already been kindled to bring division.

1 Peter 1:7 says that these trials and grief have come so that the genuineness of your faith will be shown, refined by the fire, and will result in glory and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Why would Jesus want the strife and trials to come against people? Because at that time your faith is resolved. You have a decision. Do you follow the will and instructions of the Master or not. Is Jesus your Lord, or not? Are you hot or cold; you can't be lukewarm? The trial brings the division; it separates mothers from children, husbands from wives, friends and lovers, wheat from the chaff and weeds, and sheep from the goats, Christians from Children of God.

Are you going to hold fast to your faith, all the way through the storm, trials, and strife to see the other side, and produce glory and honor by your testimony in faith of Jesus Christ?

The 'Good News' is for everybody, but many will not put their faith in Jesus and / or pass the tests of fire. Jesus said, "From now on, there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three."

The tragic thing is that many people call themselves Christians but few have made Jesus their Lord and are separated and sanctified unto Him.

Many Christians will try to enter the narrow door and not be able to. They will stand at the door knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' And the Master will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from'. But then you will say, Jesus! It's me! I ate and drank with you and you taught on my street, I prophesied in your name. And in your name, I drove out demons and performed miracles. And He will respond plainly, 'I never knew you; Away from me you evildoer!'

If this isn't sobering, it should be. Look around you the next time you are church; will 3 of 5 enter the narrow door? If the one who is casting out devils and performing miracles in Jesus name can miss the narrow door, where does that leave you?

You don't get through the narrow door by your works, how important you are, how generous you are, how righteous you are, by the title that has been pinned to your chest. You make the narrow door by making Jesus your Lord, and entering and maintaining relationship with Him. It is by the banner He places over your head (which says child of God), in which you enter the narrow door.

"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."

Whether you have been a Christian for 60 years or 60 days, I encourage you spend some time with Him and confess a desire to know Him and that He knows you. Desire intimacy with Him and make him Lord, submitting everything to Him. Continuously, working out your salvation with fear and trembling. Ensure that you are right where He wants you to be and that you are doing what He is asking you to do. And, then start working on your friends and family.

It brings terrible grief to my heart to think that there may be family members and friends who know the Master but the Master doesn't know them. Some may hear the Gospel and have made a decision and rejected it. This is horrible, but at least they will understand why they are separated; by their own choice. But how horrible for those "Christians" pounding on the door screaming and pleading "Jesus! Jesus!". Ultimately, everyone is accountable for their own lives, I understand. But, have I done everything the Holy Spirit has requested of me to minister a TRUE saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have I allowed the Anointing to inhabit my testimony and passion and shared the Words of Life. Or have I failed the Master and the ones I love?

Sobering!