Luke 13:22-35

Luke 13:22-35

“Imprint upon our heart such a dread of Thy judgments as to make us afraid to offend Thee”. Christianity, in many ways, is not a comfortable or comforting religion. Jesus is asked about how big is the circle of salvation. The questioner may have been thinking in terms of devout Jews vs. Ethnic Jews. Jesus changes the picture and focus. I need not worry about how extensive the circle of salvation is and where the line of inclusion versus exclusion is to be to drawn. Jesus points to the individual.

The word translated "strive" is from the Greek word from which we get the word agony. Have agony to get in to the kingdom. We may be vaguely aware of the agony an athlete goes through to make it to a premiere team. Last-minute efforts are bound to fail. What does the Lord mean by this story? First those who have not entered the agony will not enter the kingdom. Second those who wait to the last minute will find the door locked and shut against them. The procrastination of dealing with our sins, by repentance, will mean that those sins will have such a hold on us, that we will because of them, be excluded. We were guilty of having loved the sin more than the Lord. Third casual knowledge of Jesus is worthless. Horrifyingly evil people may have an occasional religious practice, symbol, or Christian talisman. The harsh reality is that the Lord makes a declarative statement and then gives a command. He declares “I don't know you”. Admission to the Grand Banquet is not based on casual knowledge. He makes the command: "Go away". Without a doubt the worst moment in the universe is the realization that our rejection of Him causes us to be rejected.  There is no hope then, there is only one hope now: Grace at work in us by the power of the Spirit. 

"Lord, have mercy help me to know You. Help me to die to self, to be changed by You and live what that new life means. AMEN"