Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:14 KJV
If you have ever traveled by plane, you have no doubt sat through the safety presentation where the emergency exits are pointed out. If you have ever been a student or staff member in a grade school you have most likely participated in fire drills.
Ever stayed in a hotel? Then you have seen the little map near your door showing the exit routes in case of a fire. In fact, if you have ever been in any building that has a certificate of occupancy –even your home church—you have seen and hopefully read the exit routes. The buildings are even required to have lights that illuminate the exits.
A great deal of planning is done to provide alternate routes of escaping a building in an emergency. I read once that some places even place an additional copy of the routes down near the floor in case people have to crawl to avoid smoke.
There is a lot of regulation, planning, and concern for physical safety but not nearly enough people stop to consider the route to their eternal salvation. Unlike buildings, there is only one way out! We are told this in Matthew 7:14: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and they would know the way to get there. Thomas immediately told Jesus that they had no idea where He was going and asked how they could know. (John 14:1-5).
We all know –or should know—Jesus’ reply…”I am the way and the truth and the life.”
Just as fire exits are required to have emergency lights, Christ himself is our light, even the light of the world. The only route that matters is Jesus, even when we find ourselves lowly and crawling through a situation, Jesus is the illuminated way to eternal safety in every moment and in any situation:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 NIV
Don’t ever fall for the gimmicks and cajoling of the father of lies. The devil will do everything to convince you that every route and every door is safe. If you plan on following the crowd to safe harbor, you are allowing yourself to be fooled. You’ll either find yourself in deeper peril or that the exit is locked.
P. T. Barnum, that great showman, needed a way to keep people moving through his exhibition so he could make room to sell more tickets. He convinced people to follow a path to the “egress.” When the crowd moved along to get to the next amazing thing, they quickly found themselves outside, duped, and having to pay again for re-entry.
Beloved, the devil is a greater showman that Barnum ever was. Make sure you that you know the way before it’s too late. If you have found salvation you can rest easier than knowing where the emergency exits are on your flight or in your hotel. Knowing Christ means knowing that you are on the only route that matters, the one that leads to eternal salvation: Jesus!
Beloved,
The Father’s love for you is every day. Jesus isn’t just for emergencies. Be in the Spirit every moment and know the peace that surpasses understanding.
We show others that they are loved by God by showing them love, respect, and dignity in every situation.
We hope that you are following that straight path and walking with Christ.
If you feel called to help us help others, please pray and check out this page.
God Bless you all,
Chaplain Maloney