Scripture: Luke 13:24
[Jesus said,] “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able…”
Thought for the Day: I’ve been at Cypress Creek Christian Church for almost 18 months, and just last night I found another room I had yet to see. Don’t get me wrong – I had seen the door, but as I stood outside the door waiting for someone, I realized that I had never opened the door. I was a bit intrigued at the thought of seeing what stood on the other side of that door. What was funny is that I couldn’t open it. The handle turned, but the door didn’t open. Then it hit me, I needed to pull instead of push. By golly, the door opened and I was able to go into the room.
As I think about this passage from Luke’s Gospel, I’ve got to believe that Jesus has unlocked the door for everyone. The unconditional love of God has already made a way for each of us. But as I picture the doorway, some are having difficulty getting past the threshold, but it isn’t because of confusion over pulling or pushing…it goes deeper than that.
When Jesus spoke of a narrow way, he wasn’t speaking of an ever shrinking passageway by which God purposely keeps some from entering. Jesus was referring to the ways of God demonstrated in his life – the ways of grace, welcome, compassion and forgiveness. He was defining the ways of God more narrowly so as to exclude hate, violence, prejudice, selfishness and indifference. The doorway looks narrow only from the perspective of those who are unwilling to deflate their egos and live in the humble ways of Christ. But from the perspective of a humble servant, the doorway is as wide as grace is welcoming.
Prayer: You are magnificent and full of grace, O Lord, and this day I will strive to walk in the way of a servant king who at his birth had only a feeding trough to rest his head. It was with this humility and vulnerability that he was able to prepare a pathway for all. Thank you for your frailty by which the door was opened and by which you invited me to come. Amen.
Come Together
Tonight
Dinner at 5:30pm
Movie at 6:30pm
It’s A Wonderful Life
2 thoughts on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 12-04-13”
I so appreciate what you wrote here today, right on! I don’t attend your church, but I do come there when we partner with CCCC on behalf of IHN. All of the people there are so warm and welcoming. I love my church family and pastors, but your church would be my next choice to attend. I will make a point to check out your postings in the future. I pray God continues to bless you as you serve Him!
You are very kind! Thanks for reading them. I’m always a little curious where they are going and whether anyone is reading them!! Blessings…