Narrow

[Jesus said] “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”
Luke 13:24

Some have called the Valleys of Kashmir “Heaven on Earth.” The Valleys of Kashmir rest high in the Himalaya Mountains. In these valleys, one breathtaking scene after another awaits you. You see lush, flowing grass, evergreen trees, mountain streams, apple orchards, grazing sheep, waterfalls—all nestled in the surrounding beauty of the Himalayas.

If you are at a certain point to the east of this “Heaven on Earth,” however, the only way to reach the Valleys of Kashmir is to travel what is called “The Zojila Pass.” Many words could describe the Zojila Pass. But perhaps the best word is “narrow.” The Himalaya Mountains, you see, are treacherous. They are no place for multi-lane interstate highways. The Zojila Pass is a narrow road. Back and forth it winds. On one side is a sheer mountain wall. On the other is a sheer drop-off. To meet another vehicle on this road can be…tricky. Anyone driving the Zojila Pass must not be casual or careless. To stray from the Zojila Pass is to invite disaster.

Throughout his Word, our Savior makes it clear to us that he is the only way. He is not one with a wide variety of options by which we can find peace with God. Nor is he some vague, general concept that we are free to shape and use to our own liking. Our Savior is a specific person. His name is Jesus. And Jesus has done some concrete things to rescue us from the treacherous mountains of our sin; the mountains of sin that separate us from God.

In our place, he lived the life of perfect goodness that you and I have failed to live. On our behalf, he suffered and died on a cross to wash our sins away. Then, three days later, he rose from the dead.

Now he calls to us through his gospel. He calls us to trust him as the only way—the only way to full forgiveness; the only way to peace, joy, meaning, and purpose—the only way to heaven.

Prayer:

Lord, you alone are the one, narrow way. Keep me close to you. Amen.

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