I’ll never forget spelunking in Tennessee when I was a teenager.
The entrance to the cave was this gigantic hole in the ground, but, when we got to the bottom of the pit, the only way into the main part of the cave was through a small hole about the width of a man’s shoulders.
I had to get down on my hands and knees and squirm my way into the opening. I had to leave my backpack behind, because there just wasn’t room for both it and me to get through the hole.
I felt a moment of panic when I was halfway through. The passage took a right-angle turn and I had to turn on my side, so my body would bend around the corner. It was pitch dark and I could feel the walls closing in on me.
Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, the passage opened up into a massive underground room, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by the lanterns of the other members of our group. Just to see the beauty of that place was worth all the sacrifice and struggle which had gone before.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Just as there was only one way into that cave, there is only one way to heaven – through the narrow gate. Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” John 10:9.
It is only through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins we will make it to heaven. Our gold, our silver, our good works, all are worthless at the gate. Only Jesus’ blood can pay our way. Everything else must be left behind.
Just as I could not carry my backpack with me through that hole, so we cannot carry the things of this world with us into heaven. Our possessions, our pride and ambition, unbelief and fear, hatred and anger, only hinder our way. They must be left behind at Jesus feet.
Today, what is holding you back? Guilt, resentment, anger, fear? Whatever it is, let it go. Give it to Jesus. Leave it behind and take His hand. The road ahead is narrow and rough, but you are never alone. Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will guide you safely Home.