By Rex Herndon
In 1915, Poet Robert Frost penned words often quoted by Theologians, Philosophers and Politicians that describe the impact our choices in life have upon our immediate and distant future.
He wrote, “I shall be telling this with a sigh, ages and ages hence: two roads merged into a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
As has been rightly said, “Choices are the hinges of destiny.”(Edman Markham)
There can be no question, but that the choices we make today are a factor in determining the success or failure of our tomorrow.
Two thousand years before the narrative of Robert Frost was heard, Jesus speaking from His mountain pulpit, referred to two roads merging into eternity. One, a ‘broad,’ often taken path, that ‘Leads to destruction,’ the other, a ‘narrow,’ less travelled path, leading to ‘life.’
Calling all men to make the right choice for time and eternity, He then, admonished:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it,”(Matthew 7:13-14).
Contrary to the view held by many in a modern society, the Christ life, or “narrow way,” of which Jesus spoke, is not a pathway of misery and legalistic religious rules, robbing the pilgrims access to many of the joys, freedoms and comforts of life, but it is rather, a path upon which those who choose it, experience the blessings of abundant life, and a spiritual renewal through salvation and discipleship of Jesus Christ.
Shifting the perspective upon living a life set apart from the world and taking the ‘narrow way,” the Apostle Paul, said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,”(Philippians 1:21).
Luke, speaking of the Christ life, writes. “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being…For we also are His offspring.”..(Acts 17:28).
Discipleship to Christ, is not bondage, but service motivated by love. It is being an integral part of a cause much greater than ourselves.
Remarkably, it is on, “The Road less travelled,” that we experience “Joy unspeakable and full of glory,” (1Peter 1:8), and we are sustained by a “Peace that passes all understanding.”(Philippians 4:7).
The hymn writer of yesteryear, said it beautifully:
“I have found His Grace is all complete, He supplieth every need; while I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet, I, am free, yes, free indeed…It is joy unspeakable and full of glory”……. “O, the half has never yet been told.” (Barney Warren: pub dom).
The Prophet Jeremiah said, “BLESSED, is the man that trusts in Lord, and whose HOPE the Lord is.”(Jeremiah 17:7)
It is on the,”Narrow Way,” leading to eternal life that we walk in the security of God’s OMNIPRESENCE and PROTECTION.
In the ancient Book of Job, we read about a secure path, upon which believers walk; A path, hidden from our adversary the devil.
Job, described it as, “A path that no fowl knows, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen: the lions whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed it by”(Job 28.7-8).
As believers, we must recognize there are things satan is incapable of knowing or doing in his nefarious schemes to harm us. We are shielded from his knowledge and power by the Hand of God.
For example, he cannot know our future. Only God has absolute foreknowledge and the exact timing of His Plans; satan cannot read our mind or know our heart and innermost thoughts. He cannot know the Mind of God or His Wisdom and Ways as they relate to us personally…….The ‘Narrow Way,” is a secure path upon which, we may confidently walk.
Writing in his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminded all who would choose to walk on the ‘Narrow Way,” of God’s PROMISED PROVISION. He said, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
In fact, Jesus tells His disciples. “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask,”(Matthew 6:8).
Even more thrilling!… It is the, “Narrow Way” way,” that leads us to the Throne of God and ETERNAL LIFE, where, we shall see our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face in all His majesty and glory.
The gifted songwriter, Fanny Crosby envisioned that glorious moment in her wonderful song. “I Shall Know Him.”
Writing with an anticipatory longing, she envisioned, “ O the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face, and the luster of His kindly beaming eye. How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace that prepared for me a mansion in the sky.” “I shall know Him, I shall know Him, and redeemed by His side I shall stand. I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His Hand.” (pub. dom).
Think of the unequaled blessing, and ‘soul thrilling rapture’ awaiting those who have chosen to“Enter in at the strait gate,” and walk on the narrow path. One glorious day we will be reunited with our loved ones who have gone on before and together, we shall live eternally around the Throne of God in, “That City where The Lamb Is The Light!”
The clarion call from the Portals of Glory, and the Heart of a Loving God is, “Enter ye in at the strait gate.” Begin walking on that narrow path” that leads to life.”
Don’t fear or reject the “Road less taken!” Embrace it!…It will make all the difference in your life today, and throughout eternity!
More than a hundred years ago, hymn writer, Herbert Buffum, wrote a wonderful gospel song that should be sung by all who believe: “I’m rejoicing every day as I walk the narrow way, for the Hand of God in all my life I see; And the reason for my bliss, Yes, the secret all is this: That the Comforter abides with me.” (I’m Rejoicing Night And Day: Buffum: pub. dom).
“Two roads merged into a wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”
It is a matter of, Critical Choices, Resulting Celestial Benefits.”
The Shepherd's Staff 