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The Narrow Gate
Strive to enter in...
(Luke 13:24)
Jesus, in Luke 13:22-28 gives us a chilling message.
23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
His command for us is that we strive to enter in at the strait (or, constricting / narrow) gate! Many shall try, but they shall not be able, therefore, you must strive to enter. There are two interesting things about that word "strive".
Strong's definition is this:
75 agonizomai (ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee);
from 73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something):
Notice the Greek word: Agonizomai. It sounds like "agonize" to me. Jesus said to agonize to enter the Kingdom.
Now let's look at Thayer's definition:
75 agonizomai-
1) to enter a contest: to contend in the gymnastic games
2) to contend with adversaries, to fight
3) metaphorically, to contend, to struggle with difficulties and dangers
4) to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
This is what is required for those wishing to enter the Kingdom of God, and many will want to enter, but few will be able, because they are either too lazy to put forth the effort, or they are not strong enough to stay close to the LORD.
Let's check out another statement that Jesus made. It is always wise to compare different translations, so I am providing two here:
Matt 7:14 - Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (NKJ)
Matt 7:14 - For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (RSV)
The idea is the same. The gate is narrow, the road is hard, few will find it, and you must strive (or agonize) to enter the Kingdom!
The Christian life is not easy. It's a constant battle against sin and wickedness. Even more, it is a battle against our own laziness. It takes time and energy to maintain a relationship with the LORD, just like it does to maintain a relationship with any other person.
Are we saved by works and by our own effort? No. No matter how much striving we do, if it were not for the blood of Jesus, it would be in vain! We are saved by His sacrifice, but we must also believe His Word, and He told us to strive to enter in. Our faith, if not accompanied by works, is dead. (James 2:20)
...LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE...
(1 Tim. 6:12)
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