“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
Dear Ones:
When the Lord Jesus spoke of the “wide gate, the broad way,” as opposed to the “narrow gate and way,” He spoke of a opening, an opportunity, and route of life, that is the lesser traveled by mankind. He is also spoke of a “way” that is at the same time, a way of “rest” for the soul man, and yet, one which is difficult, as it is opposed, being a contradiction to the world system. It is to this narrow “gate” and “way” that He directs our attention, for the worth and benefit of making the choice to enter by it, and to walk according to it, is of an immense, and eternal significance. But how does one ENTER and then know the WAY, not only intellectually grasping the truth of it, but experiencing and knowing the power to live it?
True Christianity was in the heart of God before time began. It is for this reason that we must understand, and lay hold of the fact that the truth and essence of it has its beginning and ending in God alone. For example, in John’s gospel, he writes: “…But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name, who were born, NOT of blood, NOR of the will of the flesh or the will of man, BUT OF GOD.” (Jn. 1:12) Many years before John penned these words, it would be by the prophet Zechariah that the word of the Lord would be addressed to Zerubbabel concerning the rebuilding of the temple, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah is declaring the same truth here that John proclaimed. God is the Author and Finisher of HIS work. It is for this reason that the Lord Jesus is revealed to us as being the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending. Paul even brings the present reality of Christianity before us in declaring that Christ is the “the body,” or essence of it. (Col. 2:17) He is the LIFE, the very compilation and summation of all TRUTH and POWER of the holy life of God revealed to man. Here, in this Reality, we are called to live. But the question remains, where to we begin…how? It begins with an attitude of heart towards God…a singular Hope, Certainty, Reverence, and a believed certainty that He is “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)
Solomon was considered in his day as being one of the most knowledgeable, if not the most knowledgeable, men on earth. In the context of all his understanding and knowledge, certainly led by the Spirit, he directs our attention to be singularly, and wholeheartedly, directed to ONE supreme source, that of Christ. But it is not just an inquisitive gaze, it is reverential fixing of one’s gaze upon the King, the Sovereign God, Maker of heaven and earth, the Redeemer of all the ages, and the Guardian of our souls. He declares so very clearly that ALL consideration of our existence, its meaning and manner in which, and by which, we are to live, is found in God, His wisdom and knowledge. The narrow gate (the DOOR) is Christ. The WAY is Christ. The POWER is Christ. He is All in All for those who have chosen to take Him as the sole object of faith and trust.
Dear Father, we were not there when You created the world, nor designed and provided for us such a great and blessed salvation from sin and death, in Christ. Give us grace today, not to be foolish, but to give Thee access to all that concerns this life. Grant us Your wisdom, and the true knowledge of things as they are, so that we may worship and trust Thee in the right way, living by the power of Christ’s indestructible life…and this, for Thy glory and honor. We thank and praise Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad