INTERSECTIONS
Matthew 16:24-26
Matthew 16:24-26
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for Me will find it."
Aaron saw his friend Ben stare at the test on the other side of him. He carefully erased his answers and quickly wrote in new ones. Aaron knew Ben copied those answers, and was sorry that he’d seen Ben do that. Now what will Aaron do?
The narrow road intersects the wide road all throughout our lives. As we observe our world, we pay attention to how others are living. Sometimes crossing over to the other road is tempting, and intersections that afford this opportunity crop up at every turn. This happens easily when hanging out with the wrong crowd. Backsliders are people who stray from following their faith, challenging salvation and giving into temptations.
Not everyone realizes the differences where these two roads lead. Each offers different delights. Their goals are diametrically opposed. In fact they are heading to opposite destinations.
The narrow road has delights of peace, contentment, eager expectation for the future. The person who has trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior is sealed for salvation by the Holy Spirit. This invisible, powerful presence steers the believer safely back onto the narrow road. At the very next intersection. It’s as close as prayer.
The wide, easy road offers delights of immoral living, no restraints, and selfish indulgences. People on this road enjoy being part of the “happening” crowd, the most popular—the ones who seem to have it all. But their joy is short-lived. As the material reward’s glitter dims, trouble abounds. Now someone on the easy road perceives the peace of those on the other road appealing. When this one crosses over to the narrow road, at the first surrender of self to good works, he flees back to the easy road.
The intersections are always close by. They’re mind-driven. And that which the eyes see steers the mind.
Each road’s travelers think theirs is the correct way. Each road’s travelers grow to feel at home on their chosen road the longer they’re on it. Only by walking with Christ on the road of godliness will we find the security and contentment we crave. What should Aaron do with his knowledge about Ben?
Take Home Nugget
The longer we’re on the narrow road, our delights grow into the supernatural. We witness awe-inspiring transformation of the ordinary, pride-filled humans into humble, loving ambassadors of King Jesus. Our minds grasp the truth of God’s Word, and hear Him speaking to us through it. These delights are not possible on the broad road. Won’t you commit to following Jesus, and Him alone?
Christ is still seeking disciples.
Won’t you pick up your cross and follow Him?
The contrasts are obvious—brilliant eternity
In heaven or an eternity that’s darker than dim.
J.D. Griffith
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