We know the Lord’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about the two gates facing each of us. One is wide and leads to destruction; the other is narrow and leads to life. We may not know that later Jesus spoke about this. It would profit us all to think about what He said as recorded in Luke chapter thirteen.
He said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (v. 24). The picture here is a vivid description of those who missed the opportunity before them and then found themselves outside. The next verse pictures a householder who has completely closed the door, and those on the outside were unable to enter. They were saying, “Lord, Lord, open for us,” but it was too late. From within, the Master of the house replied, “I do not know you, where you are from.” As they continued to plead, He said once again, “I do not know you . . . Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity” (v. 25).
His audience that day had known Jesus. They had eaten with Him and had listened to Him preach (v. 26). He told them of their coming doom when there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. When that day came, they would miss being with the saints of old.
What does this have to do with you and me? Look at the next two verses where He spoke of the day when Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets would sit down with all the redeemed from the east, west, north and south in the kingdom of God. We may not have seen Jesus in the first century, but something far greater awaits us—imagine being with Him and all those saints He mentioned.
How often have you read about the life of Abraham and wish you could talk to him about it? What about Isaac? Ever wonder what he thought as his father was about to kill him? Then, imagine someday just sitting and talking with Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Jonah and all those saints of old! I can hardly wait! Lord, hasten that day!
In this world where one’s worth is often measured by knowledge of and association with famous people, we may think we really do not know anyone famous. Think again! Those heroes of our day—celebrities from the media, rulers, renowned athletes—are nothing compared to those we know. They are part of our family, and some day we shall sit with them all.
Take time this week and think about all that awaits us. Then, remember that the time you have with them is endless! The people who really matter are part of our family!