Two paths

”See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.“

Deuteronomy 30:15 ESV

”“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.“

Matthew 7:13 ESV

”And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?“

Luke 24:5 ESV

”Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,“

Philippians 2:12 ESV

I read a book called “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer. It was very thought provoking. Since even before I read it I have been hung up on the two ways. One that leads to life and one that leads to death.

Recently Pastor Billy used a scripture I hadn’t thought of in this context. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Of course this is at the tomb and Jesus had risen, but couldn’t I say of course Jesus has risen to a lot of things in life? Why do I seek happiness among the things He has conquered? Why do I reach out to the world for satisfaction? IT’S NOT THERE. The world is death not life.

God told the Israelites that two ways were set before them. They didn’t get it. Jesus tells us of two gates, one wide and one narrow. Do I get it? Do we as a church get it? It’s narrow. It’s Jesus.

I’m not talking works even though that is part of it. I’m talking obedience and living a life that honors the One who gave it all. A life that shouts and shines Jesus to people.

Working out my salvation with fear and trembling is real and Paul ties it to obedience.

Repentance, obedience, dying to self is the life we are called to and that sounds harsh and no fun, but it is actually exciting and joy filled. Practicing the way of Christ is fulfilling in a way nothing else can be.

Thank You Jesus for being the way.