Luke 13:24-25, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us'. But He will answer, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.'"

Think

There's a reason you won't find today's verse on coffee mugs or t-shirts. Hell doesn't sell! People don't like being reminded that it's a real place, and, for many, death is a scary subject. But it doesn't have to be - if we know Jesus! Only then can we rest in the certainty that comes from placing our hope in God.

In today's reading, it's essential to understand that Jesus wasn't addressing a pack of pagans. He was talking to the "church" crowd, those who assumed they were headed toward heaven because they were decent, law-abiding Jews. What they didn't know was that, although they were acquainted with Jesus, He wasn't acquainted with them. And although they were "religious," they'd never taken His message to heart: Turn from your sin and submit to God now or perish later!

Countless people believe many paths lead to God. Unfortunately, they're sadly mistaken. There are no alternate routes to heaven; it's a one-way street that leads to a narrow door for those who have a personal relationship with Christ. Remember, just because we know about Jesus, doesn't mean we know Him.

Do you know God? And more importantly, does God know you? Because there's no greater peace than knowing that, when the time comes to knock on that narrow door, Jesus will answer and say, "I'm so glad you're here, come in!"

Act

Does it frighten you that many people you know are facing eternal separation from God? Make a list of their names, and pray for each person asking God to provide opportunities to share the good news of the gospel.

Pray

Father God, Thank You for placing eternity on my heart and securing my salvation through Christ. Help me maintain a narrow focus on the path You've set before me and not be afraid to share the reason for my hope with those who do not know You. In Jesus' name, Amen.