Favored and Blessed
We like to think we are among the favored, don't we?
He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ - Luke 13:18-30
Why will it be so hard to be saved, when we know Jesus came to save all?
I think the message for us is that we have work to do. Salvation is free, but we have to want it and we have to work for it.
The kingdom can begin with just one person and grow to encompass everyone, but each of us must be willing to enter.
Jesus' response to the question about being saved can be disappointing for many. We like to think we are chosen simply because we decide to follow, but we might remember that Jesus told his disciples that they could be doing something in this life to pave the way for salvation.
Those of us who encounter the hungry or sick and choose to help are entering through the narrow door. We are choosing to recognize Jesus in those we meet.
So, the work we must do is to seek the narrow doors, where people need help we can offer, where many fail to take action.
The kingdom is ours to enter now, but the decision to do so is also ours.
Jesus invites us in now so we will be recognized when the time comes for us to come home to him.
What are we waiting for?
More to come...