The Narrow Gate…

Tomorrow, we head off to the Yorkshire Dales for a holiday. I’m looking forward to walking in the Dales, breathing in the fresh air and seeing those rolling green hills. I am sharing a re-post about “the narrow gate” which was inspired by an earlier visit to the Peak District.

On our first evening in the Peaks, we ventured for a walk and discovered the “narrow gate”. Here it is..it was the first of many we encountered on our walks in these parts but our first experience of such a gate. As you can see the gate is made of two massive stones, positioned to enable walkers to enter the next field but not the livestock.

I seriously struggled to get through the narrow gap.

I literally had to squeeze myself through. I know I’m carrying a few extra Covid pounds but this was ridiculous. My husband thought it was hilarious as I was trying this way and that way and eventually sideways to get through.

I couldn’t work out what the problem was because I should have easily got through the gap. It is very narrow at the bottom and then widens out (a bit) but I seemed to approach it all wrong.

And there lies the rub…with finding and entering through the narrow gate which Jesus talks about. The gate that leads to God and eternal life.

We have to approach and enter through the gate (Jesus) in the right way.

We can’t take any of our selfish ambitions, pride or get through the gate by belief in our own goodness or good works.

My own righteousness and good works are just filthy rags and will not do. They just get in the way and count for nothing.

The good news is that you can enter through the gate by simple faith in Jesus alone. A simple childlike faith.

There is an entrance fee to pass through but Jesus has already paid it for us. Jesus died and paid the penalty for sin so the entry price is paid in full.

Have you found the narrow gate dear reader and entered through yet?

Or are you approaching the gate in the wrong way and making it too difficult for yourself.

Don’t let the things of this world get in the way of walking through that gate.

Divest yourself of them and simply come as you are.

Believe in Jesus and follow Him.

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

I hope and pray you have found or will find the narrow gate to true life in God.