THE NARROW GATE

Which path do we choose?

Photo by Tyler Mower on Unsplash

THE NARROW GATE

In a small village nestled in a beautiful river gorge between two mountains, there lived a happy productive people. In the other glen lived a doubtful distracted, untrusting folk. All the families lived together as one community. Now there was a very old rumor that on the other side of the mountains lay a great kingdom, a place of eternal peace, joy, and life. Many had heard of this kingdom, but only a few dared to seek it.

At the base of the mountains were two gates, both promising a path to this promising kingdom. The kingdom promised untold wealth and true riches.

A summons went forth from this kingdom to all true seekers and Idan was among those who decided to enter this quest. He looked the least likely to enter it though. He was not built with much muscle or strength and several others laughed when they saw him arrive.

The first part of the journey was easy and all the travelers were excited. Then they came to a fork in the road. Gazing across the valley two paths could be clearly seen. They were marked by a gated entrance and both were easily entered.

The first gate was wide and easy to pass through. It led to a broad, well-worn road, where many people walked. As most of their comrades saw this they chose this path. It was a lively road, filled with many businesses of different trades,  pleasures, distractions, and enticing promises of wonderful travels. Song and dancing filled the air. It seemed lovely and was definitely the path to choose. Those on this road laughed, sang, and indulged in whatever they pleased. The road seemed to stretch on endlessly, with no real effort needed to continue walking. But Idan noticed something strange about it-no matter how far people walked, no one ever seemed to reach the kingdom. In reality they just circled their supposed destination. It was a foregone conclusion that everyone on the road wanted to reach this kingdom, but it turned out that they never did, unless they chose to change paths.

The second gate was narrow, so narrow that most people hesitated at its sight. Beyond it, it could be clearly seen that the road was steep, rocky, and difficult to navigate. Only a few travelers entered through it, and the journey was hard, requiring perseverance, sacrifice, and focus. It was this path that Idan dared to venture out on. His heart told him this path was true. After all, his name meant truth seeker, right?However, he had heard those few who took the path never returned the same. They spoke of glimpses of the kingdom ahead, and their eyes shone with a peace that couldn’t be explained.

So young Idan heard the rumors and wanted to find the kingdom. He had stood at the crossroads, staring at both gates. His friends and neighbors crowded into the wide gate, calling out to him, “Come with us! This way is easier, and we will have more fun!” But Idan felt a tug in his heart, a still small voice urging him to take the narrow way.

Many mocked him and the few comrades of his and warned them that they were crazy, that they would be killed by wild animals or fall perilously into the valley below.

Idan stepped toward the narrow gate, and as soon as he entered, the challenges began. The road was tough to climb and steep, his feet blistered, and there was shrill moments of loneliness and doubt. Yet, along the way, he met a guide who walked with him. The guide spoke of the kingdom, encouraging him to keep his eyes on the destination. With each step, Idan felt his heart grow lighter, even as the road grew more difficult. It was only till later in reflection he realized that the guide was the King himself, leading him through the only true way to life.

At last, Idan reached the summit of the mountain and saw the kingdom spread out before him, more beautiful than anything he could have imagined. Tears filled his eyes, and he understood—the narrow path, though hard, had been the only way. Or was just the beginning of living life with true purpose.

Words came to his lips and he sang aloud.

Two gates loomed before me

As I looked out on this land

The world called out with open hand,

I did not understand

One was wide and bright,

And oh! what a sight!

The other small and tight

But I listened and chose right

For I wouldn’t heed their cries

Or their tries

Not even their warning call at all

Their road was wide, and steps were light,

No struggle, no climb, no weight to bear,

They went round and round

No end in sight

For their steps indeed would lead

To darkness and despair

But you see, it’s up to you and me

There’s a gate both hard and small,

The path beyond is steep and thin,

Few choose to tread its calloused call,

Just those who believe they’ll win.

For narrow is the way of this life,

And straitened paths to peace

Will no doubt rightly lead,

So do please take my heed

Through the trial and the strife,

The Shepherd will walk with us

In every way and every day

And each and every need.

He leads us to His home above,

Where we find our joy forever stay,

It’s in Christ alone, the King of love,

We find our peace and release

For He alone is the only way.

Matthew 7:13-14

©️Donald Schuler

9/25/2024