May 15, 2019

May 15

Running with Jesus

Luke 13:22-24 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

     Religion or Relationship; which are you, when Jesus was asked, "Lord, will only a few be saved?"  He responded by telling the man the way to heaven was a narrow door.  He also told him it would only be open for a period of time and the master of the house would lock the door. Then people would be banging on the door, pleading let me in and the master said I don't know you! They said we ate and drank with you and you taught in our streets. His response was I don't know you and get away!

     The latter were religious, held to rituals and memorized scriptures, but never embodied their talk. I read this yesterday in searching some information. This means we need to be living out our salvation. Walk or talk! True believers walking on the narrow path and through the narrow door have a personal relationship with Christ! Jesus was dealing with those Sadducees and Pharisee's, the religious council that was to keep and teach the law! So sad because they had the Son of God talking to them and walking with them yet didn't recognize Him! The very scriptures they would write and memorize told about Him but they were so full of pride, prestige, position and power they could not fit through the narrow door! 

     One way to examine yourself is to ask yourself “If I were to die right now where would I spend eternity?" If you do not have peace about this then you might want to talk to God about your salvation! When we are truly born again you know you have peace with God and the burden of the guilt of sin is lifted when we receive Christ, who takes our sin breaking down the barrier between us and God!  We are restored to a relationship with God! And you know it when it happens because you are never the same. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden they lost fellowship with God and the personal walk they had. They passed that sin on down to every person born. God called them out, killed an animal shedding blood and covered their nakedness for their sin and sacrifices of animals were made to pardon our sins. This was temporary until Jesus died on the cross making it possible for us have a permanent relationship with God once again! He defeated Satan's work. Man now has a way to get to God but it is not by working, doing good deeds or having a 100% church attendance. It is about being born again and knowing Jesus personally! 

     So are you one who is religious, know all the Christian lingo or do you have a personal relationship with Him and know if you died right now you would go to heaven? Do you know that you know? The door will be closed and locked one day so don't be one of the door bangers! It will be too late. Has Jesus embodied you or are you just walking around Him.

 Father, help those out there who are just religious to settle this matter today while the door is open! Help them understand the difference in a personal relationship that quickens us and makes us alive unto You. We are not just religious dead men walking around You and never coming to know You! 

  Which are you dead or alive?

Tomorrow: Oh, it is hard to be humble!

 Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015