When I took this picture, I remembered the poem, The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
How often we find ourselves in a similar dilemma – having to choose between two options. I remember memorizing this poem as a child and not really getting it then; not really realizing how many choices I would make, and continue making, in the remaining years of my life.
But I made one choice many years ago and have not wavered from it. I chose which life path I wanted to take. The Bible speaks of two roads – The broad way and the narrow way – both options open and available to all. Jesus spoke of these two paths in Matthew 7:13-14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” I chose the narrow way, the least traveled path, and have not been sorry.
It is not always the easiest route, or even the safest, but it is the one that leads to life! It is a sure path, guaranteed to get me where I want to go. It’s not the most popular way, since it is narrow, and those traveling on it are sometimes accused of being very narrow-minded by those on the broad road. The narrow road offers only one way to get to God. The idea of only one way disturbs people. We like to have choices, options, alternate ideas and solutions, but Jesus made it very clear. Only ONE way will get us there, and the way is narrow.
Some accuse Biblical Christianity of being exclusive, yet Jesus offers it to “Whosoever will!”
He just requires that those who choose to be included must come His way! It’s funny how we are ok with following the rules of games (Football, for example) or work environments, or educational institutions, but when it comes to faith, we think we can make our own rules.
Taking the narrow path requires following Jesus, the way He lays out for us in the Scriptures.
Jesus talked about this when He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; No one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). And “whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34).
In the book, Little Pilgrim’s Progress, the young boy, Christian, followed the leading of Evangelist and, entering through the Wicket Gate, began his journey toward the Celestial City. After coming to the cross where he lost the burden he had been carrying, he found that the road was fraught with difficulties and dangers, and he was constantly harassed along the way. Despite several failures where he gave in to temptation, despite losing his traveling companion to martyrdom, despite being mocked by those who couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t just give up and enjoy the many pleasures offered to him, he did not quit. He was equipped with armor to battle the enemy, and with a scroll of instructions. He found relief, rest, and encouragement when he needed it most. Best of all, when he reached the Celestial City, he discovered that it was truly worth it all.
John W. Peterson wrote about the journey in his song, It’s Not an Easy Road.
It’s not an easy road we are traveling to heaven,
For many are the thorns on the way.
It’s not an easy road, but the Savior is with us,
His presence gives us joy every day.
Refrain
No, no, it’s not an easy road,
No, no it’s not an easy road.
But Jesus walks beside me, and brightens the journey,
And lightens every heavy load.
It’s not an easy road, there are trials and troubles,
And many are the dangers we meet.
But Jesus guards and keeps, so that nothing can harm us.
And smooths the rugged path for our feet.
Though I am often footsore and weary from travel,
Though I am often bowed down with care.
A better day is coming when home in the glory,
We’ll meet in perfect peace over there.
And what a day that will be! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus and are reunited with loved ones who finished their journeys before us.
Robert Frost’s poem ends with these words:
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
So, friends traveling on the narrow road, don’t give up! Press on! Whatever trials and difficulties you are facing today, whatever unknowns are around the corner, you do not travel alone. The One who called you to follow Him, promised never to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). And traveling with HIM will make all the difference.
To those on the broad road, there is still time, and there is plenty of room. You, too, can make a choice to walk on the narrow path to life. I hope you will.
Blessings,
Ruth
Reaching, Encouraging, Connecting 