The Two Gates

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction,
and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which
leads to life, and there are few who find it.”    Matthew 7:13, 14




    As I read these words of Jesus I see thousands of people congregated at a popular park.
    All have arrived seeking a distant destination. The journey begins at a gate.

    A large sign is strategically placed beside a large iron gate, which upon entering leads
    to a wide paved path. In bold black letters it reads: DESTRUCTION.





    Beyond is another gate, a tiny white one with a posted sign with simple red letters: LIFE
    Upon opening this gate one sees a very narrow dirt pathway leading directly up a mountain.




    I see that most people are deciding to pass through the large gate and walk upon the
    broad pathway even though the posted sign clearly spells destruction as the destination.
    The smoothness and ease of the path appeals. It is the way of least resistance.

                             

    Few pass by the large gate to discover the small one because they are following the crowd.

    However, a few contemplate the meaning of the signs and choose to enter the little gate
    and climb the difficult trail. Looking in the dust they see one distinct set of footprints,
    preserved through time, made by the Author of Life. He has walked this way
    before these persevering people who prefer hardship to ease.

                             

   
            Beside the rugged, rock strewn trail a stream flows from which the hikers drink
            and pause to splash water on their faces or cool their tired feet.

                             

                    Various flowers are scattered on either side of the path
                    to bless those who climb the narrow mountain trail.

     

    The way is sometimes difficult but the fellowship is sweet.
    All are singing praises to the One who has left His footprints on the path for them to follow—
    the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

                                                   


  

        In contrast the wide paved path is a gradual downhill slope.
        While appearing desirable at the gate this pathway changes from pavement to mud.
   
                          

                Those walking along it discover that around the sixth corner
                there are countless pits into which many stumble and fall.
                There are dangerous, miry quicksand areas where others sink.
                Further on is a place of poisonous vipers which strike those passing by
                with deadly aim. The roadway indeed leads to destruction.

                                

                However, if one realizes they’ve made a mistake and decide to turn around
                they can go back and exit that gate.
                It will be difficult because they are going against the crowd, but not impossible.

                                 

        Along the broad roadway there are signs nailed upon posts
        to catch the attention of the travelers. CALL JESUS IF YOU WANT RESCUED.
        They are by every pit and bog.

                                  

    In the midst of the snake’s domain a large cross is planted with a sign: LOOK AND LIVE.
    Those who disregard every sign and continue on to Destruction will end up in a lake of fire.




    To those who leave the broad way and enter the narrow gate to walk upon the upper path
    Jesus promises, “My presence will be with you and I will give you joy on the journey.”
    There is a mountain top experience awaiting the faithful few.




    If you are wondering whether to join the crowd and the well traveled path
    please consider this message from a fellow seeker. Choose the small white gate.
    Climb the difficult, narrow path because it leads to LIFE. It is the way Jesus went.

                                                         The Two Pathways

                              Life is like a journey that everyone is on,
                              Traveling, going someplace ‘til time on earth is done.

                              Many think the best way is following their friends,
                              No matter where the path goes, or what lies at the end.

                              Others want the easy road with scarce a hill to climb.
                              Wide avenues with views ahead, for easy times they pine.

                              There’s a pathway rough and narrow a few will choose to walk,
                              Even though it’s all uphill and filled with many rocks.



                            Though narrow is the pathway Christ’s followers will trod,
                            It leads to life eternal—a home above with God.

                            In His Word God tells us, “Beware of the broad way.
                            It leads you to destruction, if on that road you stay.”

                            Life is so short a journey; which pathway will you go?
                            O, won’t you follow Jesus, the narrow way He knows.

                            Upon the narrow pathway Jesus walks with you,
                            He’ll help you on the journey until the traveling’s through.