Here is part 2 of the short explanation of the image of the wide and narrow path!
Are you ready to continue your journey?
If you Part 1 you haven't read it yet, you can here read more!
Watch out, because the second part of the journey to the heavenly city will be even more dangerous and challenging!
Let's get started! 🙂
Through the ravine of temptation
When the first rays of sunshine wake the wanderer from his sleep the next morning after the Sabbath, it is time to continue his journey. He reluctantly leaves the peaceful oasis with a dark premonition of what awaits him. The change in the landscape seems to confirm his fears. The beautiful trees give way to increasingly rough rocks. The
Wanderer is now standing on a rugged rock face. In front of him is a sign that reads: „Put on your full armor!“ Next to the sign is a chest, which the hiker opens. At the top is a worn instruction manual. The wanderer studies it carefully. You can read them in Ephesians 6:10-18 read on. He then slips into the already somewhat battered but well-maintained armor.
His path leads him to a gorge. Before entering the ravine, the wanderer falls to his knees and asks for God's very special protection. He is all too aware that he is not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the archenemy of God himself. After he has completely surrendered to God, he enters the ravine. It is not long before he appears, the mighty adversary of God! The old dragon stands in the way of the wanderer. At first, he tries to ensnare the wanderer with sweet words. He invites him to a delicious feast with pleasant music and beautiful women. The dragon knows the wanderer's weak points very well and has often been able to bring him down there. Even now it begins to fight in the wanderer. The old desire for the things of this world is awakened in him. But he also remembers that it was always only a brief pleasure and that after his cravings were satisfied, the hole in his heart became all the deeper. In contrast, he remembers the deep joy he had in his fellowship with Jesus. He did not want to give that up.
The dragon said that he could continue along the narrow path and stay connected to Jesus. He was granted a little rest. The dragon knows how to tease the wanderer's senses and awaken a seemingly irresistible desire in him. The battle rages hard in the wanderer's heart. He turns to God for help because he realizes that he does not have enough strength to resist the enemy. The Holy Spirit makes him aware that if the wanderer allows himself to be tempted by the enemy, he will have to take off his armor. This would leave him unprotected and Satan would have an easy target. It would be enough to take off just one part of the armor and the wanderer would be weakened. This was precisely the adversary's cunning plan. The wanderer decides not to give in to his desires, but to remain faithful to God. He kindly but firmly rejects the dragon's offer.
Now he shows his true colors! He attacks the hiker. It becomes a long, exhausting battle. The wanderer often falls and several times it looks as if the dragon will defeat him. But the armor protects the wanderer. Through the power of God, the wanderer finally manages to strike a fatal blow against the old dragon with the sword of the spirit. The wanderer, although weak and far inferior to the dragon, emerges victorious. Not because he fought on his own strength, but because he had submitted to God. He trusted the word of God. In this trust, he was able to find strength and ultimately be victorious.
In this way, we can also overcome our weaknesses and sins. We need the whole armor of God for this. Most of it is for our protection. Only the sword of the spirit can also be used as an offensive weapon. We can confront our adversary with the promises in the Bible. Satan is powerless against „Thus saith the Lord“. This is how a weak person can defeat the big, cunning old dragon.
The path of sanctification
So far there have been Every challenge on the narrow path offers an opportunity for rest and refreshment. But this time it's different. Once one battle is over, the next one follows immediately. The hiker moves from the ravine of temptation to the path of sanctification. This path is very narrow and steep. There is a rugged, high rock face on the right-hand side. On the left side of the unpaved path, a dark abyss yawns, from which cheerful music, laughter, but also cries of despair rise.
As the hiker struggles up the steep path, he is afraid of falling down into the dark abyss. He had been there before and it was a long, hard road to get to where he is now. But just one misstep would be enough to plunge back into sin. So he presses himself against the rough rock face with all his strength until he chafes. After following the path for a while, he notices that it not only leads uphill, but also often downhill again. But he wants to get to the top, to the heavenly Jerusalem! This up and down continues for quite a while. When the hiker reaches a low point once again, he collapses in despair. Weeping, he wonders whether he will ever gain any altitude or whether he will always stay at the same altitude. Despondent, he hangs his head.
Then he hears a familiar voice calling his name from above. He looks up and sees Jesus bending down to him on the steps of the path. Smiling, he holds out a hand to the hiker. He encourages the hiker to look at him instead of at his sins. The wanderer recognizes his mistake, that he has lost sight of Jesus and has only been circling around his shortcomings. He humbly takes Jesus' hand and continues to follow him along the path. Sometimes it is still uphill, sometimes downhill. But looking at Jesus, he is no longer discouraged, because now he knows that he is on the right path. This is also confirmed by a sign at the end of the path. It points in the direction of the New Jerusalem. The walker continues on his way with a lighter heart.
The path of sanctification stands for character development in the life of a Christian. Our goal is to be transformed into God's beautiful nature. We often make good progress in our faith, overcoming old habits with God's help. But some struggles are also very tough. We often backslide and find it difficult to break free from sin. Again and again we try, again and again we pray for strength and help. But time and again we fail. Sometimes it seems that we make no progress at all in the process of sanctification. But that is not true. If we were to look at our journey from a distance, we would see that the path has nevertheless led us steadily upwards, even if it didn't feel that way to us. Although there have always been setbacks, we have nevertheless become more like Jesus.
We sometimes despair along the way because we look at our failures and think about our mistakes. In doing so, we lose sight of Jesus. He wants to lead us safely on his path. Through him we can receive strength to overcome our sins and selfish character. Basically, it is the same image as with the armor. God offers us everything for a victorious life. It is up to us whether we make use of it and thus make the path of sanctification easier to master.
The late rain
After the path of sanctification, the hiker reaches a beautiful meadow situated on a hill. The most beautiful flowers bloom there and the sun sends its warming rays to encourage the weary hiker. He is aware that his journey is soon coming to an end. Jesus had told the wayfarer that the last test would be the hardest. But he had also assured him of heavenly strength so that he could safely face this final challenge. Now was the time to draw on this strength.
The walker falls to his knees. He confesses all the sins he is aware of. With a broken heart and sincere repentance, he asks God for forgiveness. Fully aware of his weakness, he presents God with his promise to strengthen him with special power from on high so that he can walk safely through the final trial. In his absolute helplessness, he wrestles with God for a long time, as Jacob once did. His faith clings to his Redeemer and he humbly exclaims: „I will not leave you, for you bless me!“ This is how a weak man overcomes the King of the Universe.
God is not unaffected when a helpless person puts all their trust in him and asks for help. In answer to the prayer of faith, he sends the Holy Spirit in full measure to equip the wayfarer for the last part of his journey.
The traveler sees the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. A deep peace and strength flow through him. He is one with God. Now he no longer has to master the trial himself, but God is his strength. This is the latter rain, the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, shortly before Jesus returns. It serves to once again carry God's message of love and justice to the ends of the earth. He equips God's people with authority and spiritual gifts so that they can finish God's work and are ready for the last great tribulation, which in the Bible is also called the time of Jacob's trouble.
The final test: absolute dedication
After a prayer of thanks, the hiker rises and continues on his way with a firm step. The narrow path leads him past a field of ripe grain swaying gently in the wind. As the hiker looks at it, an angel flies down from heaven. He holds a sharp sickle in his right hand. The wanderer watches as the angel begins to gather God's harvest. A sense of urgency comes over him, for he sees that God's judgment has begun. If he wants to reach the heavenly Jerusalem in time before this world comes to an end, there is no time to lose.
But the hiker can't move any faster. The path becomes noticeably narrower. The hiker has to concentrate very hard not to step off the path. To his left is still the dark abyss from which eerie laughter and screams reach his ears. To his right, a beautiful-looking white wall rises up. The wanderer presses himself against this wall.
The path is now so narrow that he can only put one foot in front of the next. It doesn't take long before the hiker has to take off his shoes to find a secure footing. But even with socks, he slips. A short time later, he also takes off his socks. As the path becomes narrower and narrower, a white rope is let down. The hiker gratefully accepts this help. At first, he doesn't dare to hold on to the rope completely. He cannot see where it is attached. But as the path becomes even narrower, the hiker has no choice but to trust the rope more and more. He also notices that the narrower the path gets, the thicker the rope becomes.
By now, the path is almost unrecognizable. The hiker pushes himself against the wall with all his strength, his hands clutching the rope tightly as he only has contact with the ground with his toes. Suddenly, the hiker sees that the beautiful white wall is smeared with red paint. It makes him deeply sad to see this noble wall so soiled. It takes a moment for the hiker to realize that it is blood. It is his blood. He hadn't even noticed that his feet and elbows were bloodied from being pressed against the wall. His hands are also sore from the rope. Large beads of sweat are dripping from the hiker's forehead from all the exertion. When he looks ahead, the path is no longer recognizable. He wonders whether he is on the right path at all. Where will it end? He can't see any heavenly city far and wide. He is surrounded by absolute darkness. Only the white rope and the white wall light up the darkness a little.
Then his gaze falls on a sign that says: „Almost home!“ So he seems to be on the right track after all! As he takes a closer look at the white wall in front of him, he sees many old bloodstains there too. So it seems that other pilgrims have walked this path before him. Encouraged by the sign and the blood of his fellow sufferers, the hiker continues on his arduous journey.
The rope is now much thicker again. The hiker clasps it tightly with his arms.
Suddenly the narrow path ends. An infinite abyss gapes before him. Panic overcomes the hiker. Is this the end? Was the whole promise of a heavenly city with an eternal life in peace just a beautiful utopia? Would he end up finding the eternal death of hopelessness in the dark abyss after all? But then his gaze falls on two signs. The words ring in the hiker's ears like a melodious, beautiful voice: „Trust me! I'll hold you!“ It seems to the hiker as if the rope is speaking to him. So far, the rope had not let him down. Many a time his feet had lost their footing. But because the rope held him, he did not fall into the dark abyss. Now he should trust the rope completely. He would have to detach his feet from the ground and only hold on to the rope. He must completely surrender control of his life, indeed his life itself, to this rope.
Here the wanderer has reached the point of absolute surrender. Now he must put all his trust in God and give up the last bit of control he still has over his life. Now the wanderer must decide to take his fate, be it life or death, out of the hands of his loving God. Does he trust completely in the loving care of his heavenly Father or is there still a remnant of doubt?
Heavenwards
The wanderer decides to trust! He has experienced so much with God! He has experienced God's strength and protection so often. He remembers all the beautiful hours with Jesus and his descriptions of the heavenly city. Jesus had never let him down when he had asked Him for help. Although he could not see or feel him now, he knew that he could trust him. His decision was made. He wanted to trust this God, come what may! His heart pounding, he clings even tighter to the rope with his arms. His bloody hands stain the pure white rope, but the wanderer doesn't notice. Now he gathers all his courage and takes as good a run-up as he can. Then he jumps. His legs clutch the rope. Now nothing in this world can hold him. His trust rests in God alone. He is prepared to live or die as long as God is glorified.
When the wanderer has made this decision, the dark cloud cover opens up. Light from the throne of God illuminates the night of spiritual darkness. As the wanderer looks into the light, he can catch his first glimpse of the heavenly city. How beautiful it is!
Now the wanderer, clinging to the white rope, swings over the abyss of death. He has overcome death through the rope. Now this rope pulls him up into the clouds. This world with all its temptations, suffering, pain and „joys“ disappears from the wanderer's gaze.
Home at last! -The heavenly Jerusalem
With the clouds, the wanderer is drawn towards the heavenly city. The closer he gets to the city, the more he can see of it. He sees its walls of gold, its gates of giant pearls. Its splendor dazzles and overwhelms him. As he approaches one of the gates, it swings open. An extremely beautiful and majestic being approaches him. The wanderer had first seen him as a criminal nailed to a cross.
He saw him as his bloodied victim who died in his place.
He had seen him as a traveling companion, just like him, in the clothes of a simple pilgrim.
He had seen him as a savior in the sea of worries.
He had seen him as a comforter when he was discouraged.
He saw him as light, as bread, as the water of life, as armor and a strong rock.
He had last seen it as the white rope that held him.
But now he sees him in his glory, as he really is.
The wanderer meets the king of the universe. The two do not meet as strangers, but as friends who have experienced much joy and sorrow together.
Overwhelmed by the glory of his mighty friend, the wanderer falls to the ground as if fainting to worship this God. However, the gentle hand of Jesus lifts him up again. Now the moment Jesus has been waiting for is finally here! He takes the wanderer in his arms, beaming with joy. Like the father who had been looking for his prodigal son for a long time, Jesus rushes towards the returned wanderer, kisses him and embraces him tightly in his loving arms.
The hiker has arrived. He is at home. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, he lets himself fall into the mighty arms of his Savior.
After the warm welcome, Jesus invites him into the heavenly city. He leads him along the streets of gold to the tree of life. There, the traveler can enjoy the fruit of the tree and the leaves that serve to heal the nations. Jesus then leads him to the wedding of the Lamb. Together with all his fellow pilgrims, the wayfarer takes a seat at the large banquet table. Together they celebrate the victory over sin and the fact that Jesus can now finally be with his redeemed for eternity.
Thus begin the endless years of bliss. When the wanderer tries to recall his pilgrimage, it is only a faded memory for him. If he tries to tell someone about the hardships of his journey, he will not succeed. Compared to the glory that surrounds him, the hardships of the narrow path lose their significance.
The more the years pass in eternity, the more he understands the high price his King is paying for him. The more he understands this infinite sacrifice, the more his love for his Redeemer increases. The more this love grows, the greater the joy and peace in the heart of the wanderer who has now come to rest. He is more aware than ever before: Heaven is easy enough to attain! No price would have been too high!
Thus ends the journey of our wanderer from the abyss of sin to the heavenly city.
Now only these questions remain: Where is your journey taking you? Which path are you on? Where will your path end?
Your decision - your path!
Your destiny is in your hands! Wherever you are right now, make the right decision today!
Maybe you think you've already gone too far and you can't turn back, then please take a closer look at the picture. Especially the wide path. As long as you still want to do the right thing, it's not too late. Go to Jesus with your broken heart. Confess all your faults to him and ask him for forgiveness. Claim his cleansing blood for yourself and gratefully accept his forgiveness. Invite him to take the lead in your life. Spend time with Jesus every day through prayer and Bible study. This is how you will get to know him and he will change your life. This is the beginning of your personal journey on the narrow path. Take a look at this video if you want to know more about it. If you need help with the start, then contact me with pleasure.
If you are already on the narrow path and you are struggling with the challenges of the Christian life, then I would like to encourage you. Even if you cannot see or feel Jesus, he is always by your side. Trust his promises, cling to him in your weakness! He will never abandon his beloved child.
Even if we often fail and make wrong decisions, as long as we keep turning to Jesus, we stay on the narrow path. Think of the wanderer, how often he stumbled, how often he looked to himself, how often he failed. But he always refocused on Jesus. God has promised to complete the work in us that HE has begun in us. So never let go of his hand! And the path of Christian experience is not only made up of difficulties and trials. God has planted flowers all along the way to make our hearts glad. He has planted places of strength and encouragement to give us strength. God knows the needs and requirements of his pilgrims. Along the way, he offers us everything in abundance that we need to reach our destination.
So don't look at the hardships along the way, but look for all the blessings that God has in store for you everywhere. In this way, even the times of trial can become blessings.
Dear reader, when we look into this world, we see a lot of unrest. It seems to me that the predictions Jesus made as a sign of his imminent return are being fulfilled right before our eyes. Everything indicates that the King of the Universe will soon come to take his children home and end this terrible world. Pain, suffering, death, violence and war will soon come to an end. God himself will wipe the tears from our eyes. Can you imagine that?
But God calls on us to accept him as Creator and our God so that he can take us home to himself. All those who love this world with all its seemingly beautiful things more than God will be left to their self-chosen fate, eternal death. But there is so much more to discover in this universe!
The most beautiful discovery in my life so far has been the existence of a loving and just God. It is a God with whom I can take refuge. He protects me, fights for me, gives me strength, hope and joy. Yes, this path is not always easy, but that is not because God wants to torture us. It is much more my ego that keeps getting in the way and making my life unnecessarily difficult. In principle, the narrow path is the path of giving up my own selfish desires and control over my life. It is the way to learn to trust God completely. This means trusting that God will always guide me correctly, that he has the big picture and that his greatest wish is for me to be with him one day. We find it difficult to learn this trust. We find it difficult to relinquish control over our lives. But the more we learn this, the more worries, fears and pain give way. The more calm, peace and joy enter my life. And isn't that exactly what we are all looking for?
With this picture and this explanation, I have tried to vividly illustrate the way to get there. My wish and prayer is that as many people as possible will be motivated to follow this path and that nothing in this world will stop them. The reward will be out of all proportion to our sacrifice here on this earth!
I look forward to meeting you, dear reader, at the great banquet table at the marriage supper of the Lamb and listening to the story of your pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem! 🙂
If this picture and the story behind it were a blessing to you, then feel free to share it with people God puts on your heart who should also hear this message. Because we find the greatest happiness when we pass on what we have received! That way it becomes more and more and by giving, we receive double the blessing in return!
Now all that remains is for me to praise the great God, the Creator of heaven, earth and sea, that he sacrificed his most beloved for us to make a way back home possible! My thanks go to Jesus, who was not above making himself nothing in order to save me! It was only through his infinite patience with me and the enabling of his spirit that this project could be realized. To him be all praise and thanks forever!Amen!
But what about the other way? Do you want to know more about the broad path? Then click here and come to the first part of the short explanation of the wide path!
Bonus! Here you can watch a short explanation of the whole picture from my brother on Youtube as a video!
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