“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.'
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’"
When people get together, it can be enjoyable. A large group of people? -- That’s called a party!
No one wants to be left out of the party. You don’t even have to know what the celebration is about to have fun! Some of us just want to be “where the action is” . . . whether we know what the "action" is or not.
Here, Jesus urged His followers to do all they could to enter through the narrow door. It would not be easy to pass through -- and once the door was closed -- it would stay closed.
Jesus used this story to suggest that heaven would not be an easy place to enter. It had only one door in . . . a narrow one at that!
It sort of sounds like the door on Noah’s ark . . . Once that door closed, the best advice for those outside was to grab a good umbrella!
In the parable, some had hung around the house before the door had been closed. They mingled with everyone -- enjoyed the fellowship -- had a great time! They just didn’t pay attention, and never made the effort to go inside.
Now -- once the door closed, they wanted in too. They suddenly realized that the party had moved indoors -- and they were standing outside!
They knocked on the door – they pounded – they pleaded! They said, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets!"
Through the windows, they saw all the people having a great time . . . but they were on the wrong side of the glass!
Jesus brought the story’s meaning home to His listeners: The time would come when those outside -- those who had seen the door, but never bothered to pass through it -- would see the party get better!
They would see the likes of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and a whole host of other “spiritual” celebrities -- but instead of being with them -- those outside would be thrown out!
Where will you be when the door is closed?
Remember this . . . the door is narrow, and not easily entered. If you have passed through it, you will know . . . It isn’t a door you pass through without your knowledge, effort, or understanding.
Don’t be one who just hangs around the crowd -- a kind of party crasher!
You are invited to join the party too! So come on in . . . while you can!
You are invited to join the party too! So come on in . . . while you can!
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