Finding Christ
Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:1-14
“Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:14
Maybe you remember playing hide and seek when you were young. Everyone took turns being “it” and counted to fifty before hunting down their hiding playmates.
Jesus wants us to find him. But if the Father, Son, and Spirit do all the finding when it comes to straying sinners, why does it sometimes seem like Jesus plays hard to get? Why, as our verse says, is the gate so small and the road so narrow?
It’s because Jesus is making us hungry for his life. He wants disciples who keep growing in integrity, in prayer, in trust, in love for neighbors, in spiritual gifts and fruit, and in a fresh vision of his leading day by day. These treasures are only found in him. A disciple is by definition someone who is endlessly fascinated by the Master and wants to be more like him. We seek Christ daily because he is both the open door and the difficult road to life.
Jesus warns that not all are attached to him in this way. Some call on his name but delight in finding fault with people, labeling them as hopelessly defective or impure. Some drive 12lane spiritual freeways designed to maximize self-interest, avoid any crucifixion of unholy desire, and keep the journey of faith as unchallenging as possible.
How are you attached to Jesus? Our Master knows the difference.
We seek you, Lord, and we thank you for moving our souls to keep seeking you. Give us grace to encourage friends who are just beginning the journey. Amen.
About the author — Norm Prenger
Rev. Norm Prenger is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Alberta and British Columbia before he was disabled by a heart attack and a post-operative stroke. He now lives with his wife, Gwen, near Thunder Bay, Ontario. He enjoys fishing, writing, drumming, and encouraging his fishing partners and neighbors to follow Jesus.
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