Thursday, August 23, 2012

GOSPEL: Luke 13:23-25

Reading:
Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.

Commentary:
It is the solemn truth of God's Word that few are saved.  Though Christ is the Savior of all men, specially of them that believe, most despise Jesus and His saving Word, and even Christians sometimes fall from grace and die in unbelief.  Thus there are two ways to look at that truth, that few are saved.  We can in arrogance look down upon others, thinking ourselves to be the "few", or we can in faith see how great God's mercy has been upon us, that we are BY GRACE one of the few.  God does not teach us the truth that "Many are called but few chosen", so we can be proud or self-righteous, but He in His mercy teaches such so we will not be highminded, but fear and stand in awe of God's mercy.  We strive to enter in at the strait gate, by faith alone, knowing Christ is our certain door to heaven.  Thus let us not view the "few" and "many" teaching as a game of chance or numbers (as many do), for then we will despair.  Rather let us FIRST LOOK TO CHRIST our gracious and Good Shepherd, and happily rejoice knowing, "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  

No comments:

Post a Comment