Straight and Narrow by Phil

Last Sunday our pastor was preaching on Matthew 7:14 and something jumped out at me. This is where we get our phrase, "on the straight and narrow" as the KJV translates this verse, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." The CSB and many other translations say, "How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it." Let's check out the original greek to get a better perspective.

First off, the word the KJV translates "strait" is stenos, which means "narrow (from obstacles standing close about)". What a great picture! There are so many choices and distractions competing for our attention, they can crowd out the best option - following Jesus. The gate is narrow, not because God wanted to make it hard to find, but because it is being squeezed on all sides by a multitude of inferior options. These are not all bad or sinful choices, but they are less than the ultimate goal of putting God first in our lives.

Secondly, the word the KJV translates "narrow" is thlibō, meaning "to crowd (literally or figuratively), to press (as grapes), press hard upon." It was often used as a metaphor for troubled, afflicted and distressed. That doesn't sound like the popular view today that God wants us to have a peaceful, happy life and if we just have enough faith, everything will be peachy! If you talk to anyone who has walked with the Lord for a while they will be the first to tell you that following Christ is not for wimps. The path can be difficult, painful, and downright scary at times. As one of my old pastor buddies used to say, "that's hard to preach."

The good news, actually great news, is Jesus didn't call us to go search for the narrow path to heaven and hope we find it. He called us to follow Him. He is the path - the way, truth and life. We don't have to wander around aimlessly, we just need to keep our eyes on Him and follow one step at a time.

If you are struggling through a difficult, uncertain, painful and even scary time, that doesn't necessarily mean you are on the wrong path. Just follow Jesus and let Him lead you through this valley. Even if you have strayed from the "straight and narrow," there's still hope. Jesus can lead you back to the road that leads to life - eternal life with Him.

Every journey is better with some "road" music. Maybe this song I wrote several years ago with my good friend Helga Kaefer will make your trip a little easier today…
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Surrounded by uncertainty,
The future that's awaiting me,
Unsure of what tomorrow brings,
So to one thought I cling.

God always leads his own
Through ways we have not known.
He lights the path, He guides the way,
And even when there is delay, we never roam.
God always leads his own.

Today I find I'm wrestling
With ghosts of doubt haunting me.
Afraid of all I cannot see,
Still faith is whispering...

God always leads his own
Through ways we have not known.
He lights the path, He guides the way,
And even when there is delay, we never roam.
God always leads his own.

Through parted seas or deserts deep and dry,
I'll go because I know that He will never leave my side.

God always leads his own
Through ways we have not known.
He lights the path, He guides the way,
And even when there is delay, we never roam.
God always leads his own.

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If you’d like to hear Pam sing this song, it is on our AMEN CD or online here - https://philandpammorgan.bandcamp.com/track/god-always-leads-his-own-2​
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Gotta keep walking,
Phil and Pam

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