"someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able" Luke 13:23-24.
Few topics have been as hotly debated as who will be in the coming kingdom of God. Is it determined by what you believe, how you live, or both? What beliefs and practices are essential to salvation? What about those who have never heard the gospel, or those of non-christian religions?
The question posed was regarding few people entering, and Jesus indicated such by stating, “many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Salvation, per His words, is not a “majority movement.” He is especially clear on this point in the Sermon On the Mount: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” Matthew 7:13-14.
The key takeaway from Jesus’ response to the question in Luke 13 is the focus on “you.” The question as to who will be in the kingdom pales in significance compared to whether you will be in it. And Jesus stresses that entering the kingdom is a personal matter involving diligent effort in that He says, "strive to enter.” To “strive” implies intense focus and unswerving dedication and commitment. Seeking the kingdom must be more than a casual interest.
The pathway to the Kingdom is ultimately a personal one. No one enters on the coattails of great people of faith or biblically-correct churches. To follow the crowd is to be headed in the wrong direction: “the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.”
It is only through a personal response to the message of the kingdom, and the man, Christ Jesus, that we may enter. The life of the age to come is then nourished within us through disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, and stewardship of time and possessions.
Striving to enter the kingdom involves both doing and being. The best works and deeds of our lives will never make us fit for the kingdom, but they will be tangible evidence of our citizenship. These reveal the character of Christ and the kingdom formed within us. Our most compelling witness is kingdom character expressed through consistent words and actions.
May the indwelling Spirit of God build kingdom character within each of us which overflows in words and deeds that will positively impact others around us for the King and His kingdom.
©Steve Taylor, 2024 --Used by permission
Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.