March 12, 2002

THE NARROW GATE, Part II

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate" (Luke 13:24, NKJV).

"Many are attracted by the beauty of Christ and the glory of heaven, who yet shrink from the conditions by which alone these can become their own. There are many in the broad way who are not fully satisfied with the path in which they walk. They long to break from the slavery of sin, and in their own strength they seek to make a stand against their sinful practices. They look toward the narrow way and the strait gate; but selfish pleasure, love of the world, pride, unsanctified ambition, place a barrier between them and the Saviour. To renounce their own will, their chosen objects of affection or pursuit, requires a sacrifice at which they hesitate and falter and turn back. Many 'will seek to enter in, and shall not be able' (Luke 13:24). They desire the good, they make some effort to obtain it; but they do not choose it; they have not a settled purpose to secure it at the cost of all things.

"The only hope for us if we would overcome is to unite our will to God's will and work in cooperation with Him, hour by hour and day by day. We cannot retain self and yet enter the kingdom of God. If we ever attain unto holiness, it will be through the renunciation of self and the reception of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified. Are we willing to pay the price required of us? Are we willing to have our will brought into perfect conformity to the will of God? Until we are willing, the transforming grace of God cannot be manifest upon us...

"Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose - to seek for transformation of character. But while he was pleading with God, an enemy, as he supposed, placed his hand upon him, and all night he wrestled for his life. But the purpose of his soul was not changed by peril of life itself. When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His touch Jacob knew Him with whom he had been contending. Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Saviour's breast, pleading for a blessing. He would not be turned aside nor cease his intercession, and Christ granted the petition of this helpless, penitent soul, according to His promise. 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me' (Isaiah 27:5). Jacob pleaded with determined spirit, 'I will not let You go, except You bless me!' (Genesis 32:26). This spirit of persistence was inspired by Him who wrestled with the patriarch. It was He who gave him the victory, and He changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, 'You have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed' (Genesis 32:28). That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith. 'This is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith' (1 John 5:4). Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, pp., 143, 144.