Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

WHILE YOU STILL CAN

DEVOTION
You are still on the escalator, and there is the open door of the MTR train before you. You race past the other people, trying to reach the door before it closes. You hear the warning beeps. And just as you approach the door, it swiftly shuts in front of you. Remember the frustration? Now multiply that by infinity. Jesus speaks of a similar door, yet one with eternal consequences. Once it is shut it is too late. Your heart drops to the floor when you see your friends inside, and you are standing outside.

Only in Luke’s gospel does Jesus describe most vividly the harsh reality of the words, ‘Once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside the door and knock..’ So repent and put your faith in Jesus while you still can. You cannot appeal to your church membership, your family’s Christian heritage, your knowledge of Christian traditions, your denominational loyalty, even to your frequent prayers, and large donations to the poor. The door is Jesus. There is only one way through – renounce your old and wicked ways, and turn to Jesus.

Perhaps you have been waiting. You might say; I must first know everything about Christianity, I must first get established in my career, I want to first experience pleasures of this world. I must first clean up my life. Then after that, I will trust and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, you say. My friend, do not delay. The door may close. Repent and believe in Jesus now.

FOR REFLECTION
What are the things, which hold us back from wholehearted commitment to Christ?
Once we enter the ‘narrow door’ this passage reminds us of our responsibility to respond to God’s lavish grace day by day. How does that work out in your life?

PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, I have waited too long. So Lord Jesus, save me now, a sinner. I renounce my wicked ways, and put my full trust in what you have done on the cross for me. Now I enter through your door of salvation. Out of my gratitude for your salvation, I give you my life. It is yours.