The Upper Room 22 November 2021 Daily Devotional, Monday Message
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The Narrow Path
Ted Witham (Western Australia, Australia)
TODAY’S READING
Luke 13:22-30
KEY VERSE: Jesus said, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.” – Luke 13:24 (NIV)
The Upper Room | 22 November 2021 Daily Devotional Message
Our village is crisscrossed by winding paths between the houses. Walls seven feet high protect the paths. I enjoy turning from the road through the narrow entrance onto the path because the wind drops, the sun shines a little warmer, and the gardens look brighter. I am amazed by the huge flowers of the dinner-plate hibiscus, and I look for the shining black king skink moving away into the abundant ground cover.
Out of the wind and extreme temperatures, the path is a sanctuary for me.
Similarly, we need the focus of a narrow door to fully appreciate the sanctuary of our life in Christ. The world offers us many competing treasures, but the only way we can be certain of lasting treasure is to follow Jesus through that narrow door where we join him on the path.
This does not mean that we reject all the good things of the world. Instead, with Christ on the path with us, we are sufficiently focused so that we can appreciate their true value. Our relationships take on greater joy when we treat others with the love and care Christ shows us. Our perception of the world will be clearer when we remember the Creator who brings it into being.
The narrow way is not primarily a restraint on our lives. Rather, it opens our lives to possibilities of living more fully with Christ.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Following Christ through the narrow door allows me to live abundantly.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lead us, Lord, through the narrow door onto the narrow path where we may better recognize and appreciate your gifts to us. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who feel separated from God
