Jesus is the way – the narrow way…
Jesus said that there are few who find the narrow way.
Jesus is the way. The way to the Father. The way of life. The way to salvation.
Jesus lived on earth to show us the way.
To follow Jesus on this way means that we are to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6).
We are to follow in His footsteps, living as He lived.
A way indicates progression, and when we follow Jesus, we are fulfilling our god-given destiny!
The quest in life for all humanity (for all the sons and daughters of Adam), from God’s point of view, is that we each gain experiential knowledge of God, through all the trials and tribulations we face in our Earthly pilgrimage (see Rom 8:29-30).
“It is not the path which is the difficulty; rather, it is the difficulty which is the path…” (Hebrew for Christians)
The trials and tribulations we face in life are not to defeat us, but rather they are to make us strong.
God’s message and covenant with Father Abraham was that He would bless ALL the nations of the world through his seed (Gen 22:18).
The Bible goes on to say, regarding ALL the promises of God found in the Bible, written to all those who are in Covenant relationship with God the Father, through Jesus – through His propitious sacrifice and shed blood on Calvary’s Cross – that we each are assured, in regards to each and every promise, that we as believers should hear a resounding “yes” and amen to ALL of God’s many promises.
And this is the reason we say “Amen” (assuredly let it be) through Jesus, while always giving glory to God (2 Cor 1:20)!
John 16:33
The Message
Jesus message to His disciples, before going to the cross:
31-33 Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me.
But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me.
I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.
In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
As happened with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (see Daniel 3:16-28), God never promises to keep us from the fire, but rather to be with us through it…
Isaiah 43:1-5
New Living Translation
The Savior of Israel
1 “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
5 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”
In fact even beyond all of this, God promises to His beloved covenant children that whatever we go through in life – the good, the bad and the ugly – that He will work into every situation we face and cause it to work together for our good; and this promise is for ALL who love Him and are called to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
____
From Max Lucado’s Life Lessons…
Isaiah 42:1—43:28
Isaiah looked ahead to the time when Jesus would bring justice to the world.
Isaiah pointed out that although the Israelites were unfaithful to God, God would still deliver them from captivity (43:8–28).
God never gives up on us. He always pursues us when we wander from Him, always drawing us back so that we can do what He has planned for us to do.
God made you and broke the mold.
“The LORD looks from heaven; He Sees ALL the sons of men (Adam).
From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works” (Psalm 33:13–15).
Every single baby is a brand-new idea from the mind of God.
Scan history for your replica; you won’t find it.
God tailor-made you. He “personally formed and made each one” (Isaiah 43:7 MSG).
No box of “backup yous” sits in God’s workshop.
You aren’t one of many bricks in the mason’s pile or one of a dozen bolts in the mechanic’s drawer.
You are it! And if you aren’t you, we don’t get you.
The world misses out. You are heaven’s Halley’s Comet; we have one shot at Seeing you shine.
You offer a gift to society that no one else brings.
If you don’t bring it, it won’t be brought.
(From Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado)
Let us thank God for the lengths He went to bring us to Himself.
Reflect on the extreme measures Jesus took to purchase your salvation.
Remember, that as you go through each day, Jesus continues to work in your life helping you be the you that you were meant to be.
____
Selah (let us pause and calmly think about these things)
Come join the Adventure!
Skip 🕊️
SB SALT AND LIGHT MINISTRIES 