Scriptural Reading: Matthew 7:13-14

‘‘Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.’’ Isaiah 26:2 (KJV)

As a student in the secondary school, only one gate to the school premise was considered legal through the Appian Way while other adjoining routes from the hostel were seen as illegal, though we had a shortcut from the hostel to the stream where we could fetch water to the kitchen for the preparation of our meals. As students in the boarding school, we were very mindful not to fall into the hands of the senior students then, who most of them had lost their joy and were regarded as ‘men of the wicked folks’. I remember whenever we were eating at the dining hall, it was usually with our cutleries, same goes for all meals and ‘Eba and Soup’ inclusive. Anyone caught eating ‘Eba and Soup’ with the bare hand would be asked to rub the bare hand of soup on the face. If one is caught in open defecation, such a fellow would be asked to taste the excreta if the salt content on the excreta was ok.

There is only one divine gate that leads to life eternal which is the strait gate. It is a narrow way that is full of thistles and anyone that is able to persevere and endures all its rough edges would be able to see Jesus. It is a pathway that leads to life and as a result of its enormous challenges, only a few persons who will be able to muster courage would find their way through it.

God Almighty has prepared only one pathway for humankind, but humankind has decided to have a feel of several paths. The most secure place is Heaven where there are no illegal borders and it is not an all-comers affair. God wants us to tailor all our journeys as pilgrims here on earth towards following the strait gate where we will be able to have eternal rest and to rest from all our labours, and our deeds will follow us (Revelation 14:13). This is the heavenly Jerusalem where the people of God would be able to fulfill their age-long destiny.

How can we discover this strait gate? It is by walking in Holiness, righteousness, standing for the truth, enduring every form of earthly pains and persecution, giving ourselves to studying His word and doing His will. Here is also a supporting scripture we can also hold on to and apply on a daily basis. Hebrews 4:11(KJV) ‘Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.’

Dear Lord God, grant me and my family the courage to walk through the strait gate and let us not be enticed by the pleasures of this world any more through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

   The Strait gate opens up destinies for the best while the Broadway block destinies for the rest.

                                                                                                                                  -The Writer-

OGBAJIBREDE Onome is an Evangelist and a Devotional Writer who inspires and encourages people to come closer to God. His Devotional has featured on Exploits Christian Magazine. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution and can be contacted via [email protected]