Cartoonology 01-29-09

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

What Jesus taught about “the straight and narrow way” is often misunderstood. If you look closely, you will notice that Jesus did not use the word “straight”. Instead, He used the word “strait” as in straits of Magellan or the straits of Gibraltar. The two words sound alike, but have totally different meanings.

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Straight implies having no twists or turns as in a straight line. In reality, the Christian life is anything but a life without twists and turns. Not only that, it often has many ups and downs. Jesus used the word “strait”, which means very narrow or constricted. Notice, also, that He used the word “strait” to describe the gate and the word “narrow” to describe the way or path. Both mean essentially the same thing. The gate and the path are both narrow and constricted.

Because of the misinterpretation, many people have viewed the Christian life to be like walking a tightrope; afraid they will fall off if there is any misstep. The problem, however, is not falling off the path. The biggest challenge is finding and entering the gate. Once in the gate (profession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior), one can begin the journey along the path of eternal life (walking in Christ) with confidence no matter how winding or hilly it becomes. Just look for the right things.

God didn’t make it difficult. Rather, He made it unique. Look for the cross, the bloodstains, the call to repentance, faith, confession of sin, etc. You will find it. Then, determine to enter it through surrender of your life to Christ through prayer.

The truth is that Jesus is both the strait gate and the narrow way. It is all about Him. There is none other like Him.
John 10:1 (KJV)
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

John 10:7 (KJV)
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

John 14:6 (KJV)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 01-29-09
www.nlcbchurch.com