Weekly Devotional - Samantha Mosca
The Narrow Pathway
Matthew 7:13-14 NIV “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Pastor Aaron taught us that, “everyone can fit on the narrow path.” However, not everyone chooses it. To be honest, I can understand why someone would not choose it. It is not an easy and convenient road. It embodies everything that goes against our human nature: humbling ourselves, putting others needs above our own, and self-denial. We may feel tempted to live a life where people know of our greatness and want to be like us. We might want to put our desires above others needs and have the urge to ‘tell ‘em like it is,’ because what we have to say is more important or “right.”
“The biblical definition of humility involves recognizing one’s own limitations and acknowledging God’s authority. It is characterized by lowliness of spirit, dependence on God, and a heart of service towards others. (Proverbs 22:4; Philippians 2:3) It is seen as a virtue that leads to wisdom. (James 4:10).”
Jesus and Job’s lives model this for us. They both endured undeserved and unimaginable suffering. They were ridiculed and harshly judged by others. They both had moments where they cried out to God with their questions and for relief. Finally, they both humbled themselves before God despite their current situations, boldly walking the ‘narrow path.’ Rather than turning away from God, they leaned into the truth about Him. He is good and His ways are beyond our understanding. Their responses were to trust and persevere to the end.
In Job’s story, we see that God restored his life to twice as much as before. (Job 42:10) Job was not given a direct answer as to why God had allowed this turmoil in his life. But, He did show Job who He is and what He was/is capable of. Job was awestruck at God’s majesty. After being confronted by God’s overwhelming power, Job realizes his own insignificance, repents, and humbles himself before the Lord. No one goes by unscathed in this life. At some point we all experience unimaginable suffering, a dark night of the soul. What do we do with it? We can turn away in anger and bitterness, or we can lean in to the truth about God and trust Him even if we never receive answers.
Choosing the narrow path will never make sense to the ‘world.’ If we choose to walk this path, we will stand out. Not because of our remarkable achievements, popularity, or riches. We will stand out for exuding radical humility and for our unrelenting service to others. When people look at us they should think, “there’s something different about them. I wonder what it is…” This is choosing the narrow path that leads to life. This is living out the gospel message the way Jesus intended it.
- Sam
Matthew 7:13-14 NIV “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Pastor Aaron taught us that, “everyone can fit on the narrow path.” However, not everyone chooses it. To be honest, I can understand why someone would not choose it. It is not an easy and convenient road. It embodies everything that goes against our human nature: humbling ourselves, putting others needs above our own, and self-denial. We may feel tempted to live a life where people know of our greatness and want to be like us. We might want to put our desires above others needs and have the urge to ‘tell ‘em like it is,’ because what we have to say is more important or “right.”
“The biblical definition of humility involves recognizing one’s own limitations and acknowledging God’s authority. It is characterized by lowliness of spirit, dependence on God, and a heart of service towards others. (Proverbs 22:4; Philippians 2:3) It is seen as a virtue that leads to wisdom. (James 4:10).”
Jesus and Job’s lives model this for us. They both endured undeserved and unimaginable suffering. They were ridiculed and harshly judged by others. They both had moments where they cried out to God with their questions and for relief. Finally, they both humbled themselves before God despite their current situations, boldly walking the ‘narrow path.’ Rather than turning away from God, they leaned into the truth about Him. He is good and His ways are beyond our understanding. Their responses were to trust and persevere to the end.
In Job’s story, we see that God restored his life to twice as much as before. (Job 42:10) Job was not given a direct answer as to why God had allowed this turmoil in his life. But, He did show Job who He is and what He was/is capable of. Job was awestruck at God’s majesty. After being confronted by God’s overwhelming power, Job realizes his own insignificance, repents, and humbles himself before the Lord. No one goes by unscathed in this life. At some point we all experience unimaginable suffering, a dark night of the soul. What do we do with it? We can turn away in anger and bitterness, or we can lean in to the truth about God and trust Him even if we never receive answers.
Choosing the narrow path will never make sense to the ‘world.’ If we choose to walk this path, we will stand out. Not because of our remarkable achievements, popularity, or riches. We will stand out for exuding radical humility and for our unrelenting service to others. When people look at us they should think, “there’s something different about them. I wonder what it is…” This is choosing the narrow path that leads to life. This is living out the gospel message the way Jesus intended it.
- Sam
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