When we consider the parable of the
sower of seeds, we realize that only one-fourth of the seed scattered actually
falls on good soil and bears fruit (Matthew 13:18). That means that only a
quarter of those who hear the gospel of Jesus Christ are actually converted.
When Jesus lived on this earth, a
multitude followed Him; but just a few actually bore fruit from His ministry to
them. Jesus, the personification of God Himself, presented a life and testimony
of the reality of God's existence; yet it did not impact the lives of most of
those around Him.
Noah preached the Good News for 120
years and even built a huge ark for the known world at that time to see; yet,
only his immediate family boarded the ark and were saved.
The reason for this is that there are
two gated roads in life. One is broad and many find it; yet it leads to eternal
destruction. Then, there is the narrow gate and road, which lead to everlasting
life; but very few actually enter it (Matthew 7:13-14).
This fact causes me to weep uncontrollable
tears for those people who allow pride and rebellion to keep them from entering
the straight and narrow road to salvation. I intercede for them day and night
to have a change of heart.
The toll has already been paid by the
shed blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:18-19). It is a free gift of God (Romans
6:23). Yet the multitude of people born on this earth condemn themselves by
refusing to take that fork in the road, which leads to eternal life (John
3:18).
This highway is called the Way of
Holiness for those who walk on it; yet the wicked and foolish will not travel
down it; they will avoid it at all costs, even the cost of their own salvation
(Isaiah 35:8).
God gives everyone a choice to
totally surrender their life to Him (John 3:16-17). However, just a remnant of
those born into this world will take advantage of the opportunity to live in
abundant peace and joy now and throughout eternity (Isaiah 11:16).
Prayer:
Father God, we commit to daily pray
for those still alive and those who will be born in the future to have the desire
to walk on the straight and narrow road. Strengthen their inner being to
respond to Your Spirit and to accept the sacrifice of Your dear Son as their
own (Ephesians 1:16). They will gain the pearl of great price, the treasure in
the field and Your eternal life (Matthew 13).
So many hear, but shut up the ears of
their understanding. They look, but choose not to see. Their hearts are fat
with self-indulgence and heavy with the cares of this world. Their ears are
dull from the false doctrine of the world (Matthew 5:18-19).
They close their eyes and sleep to
avoid responding to Your Truth. They will not turn to You and allow You to heal
them (Matthew 13:14-16). I pray for them to allow Your Spirit to open the eyes
of their understanding, so they can enjoy the riches of Your pleasures
forevermore (Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 3:16).
Thought for the Day:
Jesus made it very clear that He is
the only way, truth and life; and anyone who believes in Him shall never die,
but will live eternally with Him in our Father's Kingdom. - John 14:6
