The road less travelled.

The battle is raging, the outcome of a gruesome, lingering war hangs in the balance. The forces of good and evil locked in arms wrestle to the bitter end to determine the fate of humanity. Jesus speaks about an unseen war in the spiritual realms. He states that the outcome of this war will be determined by the violence of the righteous. Is Jesus condoning warfare and bloodshed? Is this war literal? As I meditate on today’s Bible reading of the sermon on the mount, I am gripped by the analogy Jesus depicts of the reality of this life. Matthew 7, gives you and I two options. Either to take the favoured path through life or the less travelled road. Both have their pros and cons, yet the scriptures are clear. Only one road leads to God, which ultimately defeats the prevailing forces of this world.

Why then do most choose to fall casualty to the treacherous terrain and embark on the road of death. Matthew 7 reveals the answer. Jesus says the road of death is broad and wide. Indicating that it is easier to travel on. Think about it? If you had a choice to travel on a 5 lane interstate highway versus a one lane opposing traffic country road, what would you choose? Jesus clearly taught a revolutionary message that demanded too much from the average follower. No wonder they all left him at a point. Whether it is the glitter of materialism, the pizzazz of sex, or the solace in achievement’s and man-made accolades, the simple truth is that it is much easier to travel down the well worn path of the masses in this deceptive life we live in.

Jesus then speaks of a narrow road. This road similar to the “eye of a needle” which can only fit a few at a time. It is not glamorous, very costly and often lonely. It is the road far less travelled, which Bonhoeffer speaks of in his book the Cost of Discipleship. Though this path guarantees life, few find it Jesus touts. Why? Is he intentionally excluding his creation from spending eternity with him? By no means. The very opposite. He understands that our fallen nature will repel his righteousness, and disqualify us from eternal bliss. All too aware of the deception that our souls easily succumb too, he formulates a way that rescues us from our own self. He channels our often misguided hearts into a form which concretizes his image in us. The pressures of trials, the disappointments of friends, the revelation of our own shallowness, all acts as an imprint upon our souls, squeezing the bitter juice of this world’s fruit out, and creating a space where God can begin to work.

While this narrow road only gets worse, be encouraged friend for it leads to eternity. It also does get better. As you decide you will be a disciple, know that it will cost you something. In fact, it will cost you everything. Sell all you have, possessions of pride, self, rationalism, and yes possibly even material goods. Give your life to him, by giving your life away. Travel this narrow road, and don’t forget to catch a view from the window seat as God takes you on the journey of your life.