[Luke 13, Proverbs 18]

H – Luke 13:23–24, “[23] And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, [24] “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.””

E – WARNING!

When you are in a place of danger there is usually warning signs posted to the fact in an attempt to keep you away from harm. Most the time we pay attention to these visual warning that would cost us if we came into contact with the danger. Jesus’ warning is one far more important because it deals with the warning of eternity. Yet, most of us are not paying attention to these signs. 

After Jesus was question about salvation He gives the warnings. 

• Many will seek but not not be able to (v.24).
• They will knock but the door will not be opened (v.25).
• They will make their claims, but He will will say depart from me (v.26-27).
• People will come, but you will be cast out (v.28-29).

It appears that those in who Jesus is warning or complacent, apathetic, uninvolved, and currently unconcerned. Sounds similar! They’re more worried about the appearance of religious practice and perception than they are the truth of eternity. 

But, Jesus also gives the direction away from the warning, “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” This does not mean that you’re working towards something. It means that you’ve surrendered to something. The word strive means “to make every effort”. Jesus had already told them what the effort was, REPENTANCE. 

Two times in Luke 13 we find the words, “but unless you repent you will likewise perish” (13:3, 5). 

Therefore, we don’t strive to change our theology to make us feel better about ourselves and our religious practices. We strive to look like Jesus and to know more about Him through active repentance. Repentance is the only way to be saved. 

And, active repentance means that we have a new desire to seek to hear, understand, and actively practice his word instead of passively going through the motions. 

A – Strive to seek, hear, understand, turn (repent), grow, go, and make much of Jesus. 

R – Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to repent. God, thank you for being merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. You are good. Lord, I pray today that I would take your Word as truth and I would allow it to change me. Lord, take my faith and grow it (13:19). Help me to see your warning signs and discern truth. 

In Jesus Name!