One of my favorite hobbies is hiking in the mountains.
Depending on where I hike, the composition of the mountains can be very
different within just a few miles. While the mountains and mountain ranges may
seem similar, the underlying rock may be granite or conglomerate or quartz or a
combination of several types of rock. Some of my favorite hikes are in remote
locations, and interestingly the trails are filled with rocks. Not a nice dirt
path, but rocky trails that are true ankle twisters. The way up is always fun
and easy and one rarely notices that the rocks, which are about the size of a
human foot, are annoying to walk on. However, on the way back down the
mountain, every step requires concentration so as to not trip and fall. After a
long hike up, one really wants to relax on the downhill, but some trails are
mentally fatiguing and are great lessons in concentration under weariness. This
is the time when one notices just how ADHA one’s mind can be. Jesus told us about
a path which is filled or crowded with obstacles, and walking down that path
can make us weary and tired. We want to study this idea so that we can learn
how to keep going when we are tired and that we can also learn how to put off
the heaviness that weighs us down. With practice, we can become skillful in
stepping on the correct rocks, the ones that won’t move and throw us off
balance. Part of this understanding for us is how to keep from getting mentally
fatigued so that we can keep our focus. We find some treasures for life along
the way so let’s explore.
Jesus told us of walking down a strait and narrow path, and so did the prophet Ezra. This is not a “straight
path” as in no curves, this is a “strait” as in a passage or channel. Sometimes
we fail to recognize that what we consider apocryphal books were actual books
available in synagogues. Those listening to Jesus’ words would have recognized that
he was referring to context from books written by others and they would have
understood what Jesus meant. Today, we pull ideas and phrases that Jesus spoke
out of context and apply our own meanings. The strait gate is full of obstacles
and is narrow and crowded. In other words instead of a smooth wide path of dirt
we are walking along a small cliff-side with wet slippery rocks, and that is
the entrance to the gate of life.
Matt 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait [4728]gate: for wide
is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to [684]destruction, and many
there be which go in thereat:14 Because [4728] strait is the gate, and [2346] narrow
is the [3598] way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.KJV
NT:4728 stenos (sten-os'); probably from the base of
NT:2476; narrow (from obstacles standing close about): KJV - strait.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and
International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:684 apoleia (ap-o'-li-a); from a presumed derivative of
NT:622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): KJV - damnable
(-nation), destruction, die, perdition,
perish, pernicious ways, waste. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's
Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright ©
1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:2346 thlibo (thlee'-bo); akin to the base of NT:5147; to
crowd (literally or figuratively): KJV - afflict, narrow, throng, suffer
tribulation, trouble. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:3598 hodos (hod-os'); apparently a primary word; a road;
by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or
means: KJV - journey, (high-) way. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
The word strait
is interesting. If we have only heard this spoken in sermons we might think of straight as compared to crooked; but
this is a strait, a “passage or canal”,
but the word strait, stenos, is also
used as a prefix. This is interesting and gives us a fuller meaning of the
word. The word narrow is also known
as “crowded”, but not just the opposite of “wide”, but narrow as in afflictions
on or along the path or trouble along the way.
2 Cor 4:7-10 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are [2346]
troubled on every side, yet not [4729] distressed; we are perplexed, but not in
despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life
also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. KJV
NT:4729 stenochoreo (sten-okh-o-reh'-o); from the same as
NT:4730; to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp: KJV - distress,
straiten.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
We have narrows or troubles on every side but are not
distressed. We have crowded obstacles that cause trouble all around us but we
are not hemmed in or cramped. As Paul says, even though this treasure is in a
clay pot, and we are showing that the life of Jesus in us and the canal or
passage to the gate of life that we are on is not hemmed in, we can make it
there. The word narrow is also
translated “afflicted”.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were
tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and
goatskins; being destitute, [2346] afflicted, tormented; KJV
These great witnesses were narrowed or afflicted, just as
if the road they were on had people with spears poking at them. The Book of Luke
quotes Jesus regarding the “strait gate”, the passage to eternal life that has
obstacles along the way.
Luke 13:23-24 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few
that be saved? And he said unto them,24 Strive to enter in at the [4728] strait
gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. KJV
Again, it’s a strait, a passage, a narrow path, not a
straight road. The passage is fraught with tribulations on the way to the gate
of life. Ezra gives a longer explanation of the comparison of the narrow
way.
2 Esd 7:1-9 And when I had made an end of speaking these
words, there was sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights
afore:2 And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am come to
tell thee.3 And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set
in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.4 But put the case the
entrance were narrow, and like a river;5 Who then could go into the sea to look
upon it, and to rule it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come
into the broad?6 There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a
broad field, and is full of all good things:7 The entrance thereof is narrow,
and is set in a dangerous place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the
right hand, and on the left a deep water:8 And one only path between them both,
even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but one man go
there at once.9 If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if
he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this
inheritance? KJV
A narrow passage, with fire on one side and water on the
other and is only wide enough for one person to walk on. If the city, the New
Jerusalem is given to people for inheritance, then people have to pass through
the danger to receive their inheritance. Therefore, when Jesus was mentioning
the narrow way to life, the mind picture was of a strait that had tribulations
but was well worth traveling. The entrances into life were made narrow because
of Adam.
2 Esd 7:10-19 And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto
me, Even so also is Israel's portion.11 Because for their sakes I made the
world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is
done.12 Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow and
travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,: and very painful.13 For
the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal
fruit.14 If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and vain
things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.15 Now therefore
why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why
art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?16 Why hast thou not considered in
thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present?17 Then
answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained in thy law,
that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should
perish.18 Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for
wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet
shall not see the wide.19 And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and
none that hath understanding above the Highest. KJV
The entrances to the elder world were wide, but now they
must enter through the strait. The righteous suffer along the strait but they
hope to enter the wide places. The idea is that the path to life is hard to
walk down because it is crowded and one has to keep alert and pay attention. Sins
weigh us down while we are navigating the strait. Yahweh knows what we think in
our heart. If we leave our sin behind Yahweh will lead us and deliver us from
trouble. God is our guide.
2 Esd 16:62-76 Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which
made all things, and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the
earth, 63 Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your hearts,
even them that sin, and would hide their sin. 64 Therefore hath the Lord
exactly searched out all your works, and he will put you all to shame. 65 And
when your sins are brought forth, ye shall be ashamed before men, and your own
sins shall be your accusers in that day. 66 What will ye do? or how will ye
hide your sins before God and his angels? 67 Behold, God himself is the judge,
fear him: leave off from your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no
more with them for ever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all
trouble. 68 For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over
you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you, being idle, with
things offered unto idols. 69 And they that consent unto them shall be had in
derision and in reproach, and trodden under foot. 70 For there shall be in
every place, and in the next cities, a great insurrection upon those that fear
the Lord. 71 They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling and
destroying those that fear the Lord. 72 For they shall waste and take away
their goods, and cast them out of their houses. 73 Then shall they be known,
who are my chosen; and they shall be tried as the gold in the fire. 74 Hear, O
ye my beloved, saith the Lord: behold, the days of trouble are at hand, but I
will deliver you from the same. 75 Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for God is
your guide, 76 And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts,
saith the Lord God: let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your
iniquities lift up themselves. 77 Woe be unto them that are bound with their
sins, and covered with their iniquities like as a field is covered over with
bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travel
through! 78 It is left undressed, and is cast into the fire to be consumed
therewith. KJV
Sin makes the strait even harder to travel, as if it was
covered with thorns. The wicked travel the strait (Ezra 7) but never find the
broad way, but the righteous will find the broad places. The righteous have
Jesus who makes us righteous when we make Him Lord. Yet we still have to travel
the strait. Even when we put off sin it takes concentration to keep ourselves
on the passage. Yahweh is leading us along the narrow troublesome path with
fire on one side and water on the other.
Ps 16:8-11 I have set the Lord always before me: because he
is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my
glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.10 For thou wilt not leave my
soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.11 Thou
wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right
hand there are pleasures for evermore.KJV
Notice the words “I have set”, that implies that we have to
set the Lord before us, and he will show us the strait, the passage to life.
This is a positive message, but sometimes we spend too much time listening to
those who have forgotten to set the Lord before them, resulting in negativity
and unbelief. This causes our hearts to faint. That is when the journey can make
us weary or fail in heart.
Gal 6:9 And let us not be [1573] weary in well doing: for
in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. KJV
NT:1573 ekkakeo (ek-kak-eh'-o) or egkakeo (eng-kak-eh'-o);
from NT:1537 and NT:2556; to be (bad or) weak, i.e. (by implication) to fail
(in heart): KJV - faint, be weary. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Travel down a rocky path by our own strength makes us weak
and faint, but if we set Yahweh before us and continue onward we will reap in
due season. The condition is not to faint.
Ecclus 43:30 When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as
ye can; for even yet will he far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth all
your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far enough. KJV
We can never exalt the Lord too much. We are told to not be
weary. That means we can control the fatigue in our mind, our mental
exhaustion. If the path is troublesome, and we glorify Yahweh, our burden will
become lighter and we will be able to endure the rocky road.
2 Esd 2:27-29 Be not weary: for when the day of trouble and
heaviness cometh, others shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry
and have abundance.28 The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do
nothing against thee, saith the Lord.29 My hands shall cover thee, so that thy
children shall not see hell. KJV
This seems rather encouraging. In the day of trouble we
shall be merry and have abundance. When all we hear is doom and gloom we forget
who is on our side. We somehow forget Yahweh is guiding us and covering us. We
put ourselves into the category of the sinner and we start to think we have to
live in heaviness and oppression. We forget that even though the unrighteous
and the righteous are both on the strait, only the righteous receive the broad
places. The doom and gloom prophets who only see dark times have forgotten
whose hands are covering us. We will become faint of heart if we believe their
report. We have to believe the report of the Lord. He is guiding our path, even
if it is a strait and it is narrow, fraught with tribulations. Therefore we
have to take off weariness and heaviness and remember Yahweh. Didn’t Paul tell
us that he could be abased or abound, be full or hungry, or to abound or suffer
need, but that whatever state he was in he could do all things through Christ strengthening
him? (Phil 4:12-13)
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto
a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 To an
inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in
heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now
for a season, if need be, ye are in [3076] heaviness through manifold
temptations:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of
gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:8 Whom having not seen,
ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the
salvation of your souls. KJV
NT:3076 lupeo (loo-peh'-o); from NT:3077; to distress; reflexively
or passively, to be sad: KJV - cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be)
sorrow (-ful), be (make) sorry. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Because we believe, we rejoice with joy unspeakable to the
salvation of our souls. If we really believe what Peter says, that we will
receive salvation, we should not be sad or in heaviness. Yet when someone tells
us to be fearful of the times to come, we lose the joy of our heart. We should
not give our mind over to heaviness and afflict our own selves.
Ecclus 30:16-25 There is no riches above a sound body, and
no joy above the joy of the heart.17 Death is better than a bitter life or
continual sickness.18 Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of
meat set upon a grave.19 What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither
can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.20 He seeth with
his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.21 Give
not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.22
The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man
prolongeth his days.23 Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove
sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit
therein.24 Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before
the time.25 A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.
KJV
I love the humor in this section. The eunuch here is not a
government official; eunuch means an impotent person, one who cannot perform
and procreate. Like an impotent man who holds a virgin, he sighs because it is
discouraging, and the impotent one becomes sad or sorrowful. It is like being
persecuted, not to be able to be with a young women. Therefore, don’t let your
mind become sad and harm your own self, or “cut your nose to spite your face”
because gladness of the heart is the life of man. Love yourself and comfort
your own heart. Sorrow kills, but a cheerful and good heart will be nourishing
like meat.
Do not give your mind over to heaviness. Do not think you
can feed on doom and gloom fear mongers and not afflict your own soul. You will
become like those you listen to. If Paul can live in any situation, then we can
as well. A can of peas won’t save us. People will try and steal our canned peas
in times of trouble. Only letting Yahweh guide us through the strait and narrow
can save us in troubled and anguished times.
The passage to the gate of life can become wearisome and
our hearts can fail when we think of ourselves as heathens. We are not heathens,
we believe on Jesus as Lord and Christ, and are on the path to receiving the
salvation of our souls. If we feed on doom and gloom we are putting on
heaviness that discourages and hurts us and shortens our lives. Sorrow kills
us. If we are putting off our sin, we at least eliminate the thorns from the
path, but that does not mean that there isn’t tribulation. Yahweh guides us
through the strait and narrow. Yahweh leads us down a passage that is only wide
enough for one. The narrow way is crowded and filled with trouble, rocks that
make every step an exercise in concentration, but the righteous enter the gate
of eternal life and receive the broad way. We should act like we believe it
rather than act in fear because as we know fear that has torment. Eternal Life
is the broad place we are headed, so instead of making the journey miserable we
can choose to make the journey joyful, even if there are rocks on the path.
Allow Yahweh to lead each of us individually as we know the path is only wide
enough for one. He knows the way better than we do.
