Narrow Gate

“Lord, will only a few be saved?" Jesus answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate..." Luke 13:23-24

Sometimes when we listen to preachers, it seems like all we need to do is say the sinner's prayer and that's it. You're saved. But Jesus says here we have to strive, to "strain every nerve to enter", to "force yourself through it", “to endeavor with strenuous zeal".  The word 'strive' is translated from the Greek AGONIZOMAI, where the word 'agony' comes from. This word is used to describe athletic contests and war. And we know what kind of contests and wars the Greeks had!!! 

It sort of reminds me of the big man who insisted on going through Fat Man's Squeeze in Rock City, Tennessee. His friends said no, let's find some other way, but he insisted on going through this narrow passage between two huge rocks. First he removed his jacket, gets out, removed his shirt, then tried again. Then he unbuckled his belt to take it off. He was able to "force himself through” finally! 

Jesus is saying here it's not as easy as saying a prayer, or getting in a line to accept Him as Lord and Savior.  It's working at it our whole life. There are things we have to get rid of too, like the man unbuckling his belt and removing his jacket.

But I hold on to Philippians 1:6, “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." Let's strive with confidence and finish the race!!