The End Of The Line

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matt 7:13-14 KJV)

I was not the perfect child growing up neither was I a particularly bad kid. I liked to climb trees; ride bike; go for walks; build forts... My parents had strict boundaries set for us and when we crossed them, my father would let us know: "you reached the end of the line, sister." I knew someone was in big trouble when I heard that!

A few years ago, my husband watched hours and hours of "The Walking Dead." All of the living were trying to get to Terminus. I could not figure out why they figured any place named Terminus would be a good place to go. Terminus means the end of the line. It means the final point in time or space. So why would anyone purposely go there?

But, then again some people want to do a lot of things that I can't quite figure out why they would do them. They want to get blitzed! Why? Blitzed means to be attacked and defeated. How about getting stoned? Why would anyone want to get stoned? In biblical times getting stoned was not a good thing. It also meant the end of the line. It meant death. Getting wasted also doesn't sound like something to look forward to on a Saturday night. It means physically or psychologically exhausted; debilitated. Again, near the end of the line.

So why would anyone follow a path that leads only to the end of the line; to destruction? Jesus said to, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt 7:13-14 NRSV) Yup! The road that leads to life can be hard. But, I'm thinking a tough road to eternal life is better than an easy one that leads to eternal destruction; to the end of the line.

As a Substance Abuse Counselor, I had taken some young men from a correctional facility hiking to see a beautiful waterfalls. About half a mile in, I realized that they were all very nervous. I asked them what the problem was. It turned out that they feared that we were lost and would be attacked by some wild animal or maybe come to the end of the line by falling off a cliff. They were from Detroit and although very street wise; they could not see the path that we were following in the wilderness. Someone has to show the way to those who cannot see the path. 

May God help us to choose wisely the path that we will follow and to guide others on the way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Knock And The Door Will Be Opened To You

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matt 7:7

Castles and forts were once used to protect the people of a community. There were usually very large doors that were meant to keep danger out. One had to knock, introduce themselves, and possibly know a password in order to gain entrance during times of trouble.

After Adam and Eve's fall the doors to Paradise, the Kingdom of God, were closed. They were guarded by fierce looking angels so that no one could enter.  But, you and I don't have to sneak past them. We don't have to know any passwords to get into the Kingdom of God. Jesus revealed to us, by his death, that he wants all people to enter into his kingdom. God, our Father, wants you in His Kingdom. He will not force anyone to enter against their will. But, through Christ, God, has made it available to all people. He has opened the doors to the Kingdom for all who would be believe in him. You don't have to earn the right to enter. Jesus did that for you as he took upon himself the sins of the world.

Knock and you will find that the door is not locked. It will swing wide open for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.