It appears that at certain points the Lord takes from a whole and preserves a remnant. These are always set apart people who have been chosen to walk well in a period where the people have become idolatrous. Paul tells us of Israel in Romans 9-11 and we observe the 144000 in the book of Revelation Chapters 7 and 14. Elijah is also told of 7000 who were, like him, set apart, seemingly alone, to serve the Lord. Noah, Abram, the list continues.
When Jesus said that there would be a narrow and wide road He stated that 'few' would find the narrow road. It has been cited that this is simply the unsaved versus the saved and therefore the remnant is all those who are saved. It could be true but if salvation is by grace then the 'finding' is not really your act. I believe this passage talks about saved people who are required to avoid the wide road and be about the narrow road. The word for 'destruction' where the wide road leads is also 'loss' or 'cut off from what could or should have been.' It is reasonable to say that this refers to the destruction, loss of any reward that should have been apportioned for faithfulness.
In Perth Western Australia there is always a road expansion program occurring. As demand increases so the roads have to be able to take the capacity of the volume of traffic. Of course in Jesus time we are talking more 'paths' than roads. Wide paths are formed by the volume of people journeying along the path. It indicates that these people are walking together and at the same time. As a group of people walk down a trail, the width of the path will increase as they walk together along the path. Paths are only places where people have repeatedly walked over. Narrow paths are where few people have established a route.
Do you feel alone in the intensity of your walk? Are you isolated around but a few faithful people who want to walk well? Do you sense a need to be separate from the 'done thing?' Do you have a longing to see the Lord's return? Are you aching for the Millennial Reign of Christ on Earth to see justice and righteousness restored to earth? Have you forsaken popularity, fame, notoriety, position, status or profile to stay on track? Will you not move unless it is the Lord? Are you about first and end times? Are you the subject of attack from the enemy? Do the people at work have a weird ignorance about you? To differing degrees a combination of these circumstances will be evident in your life if you are earmarked for the remnant.
I believe the enemy uses 'wide road' strategy in his dealings with Christians. An enthusiastic young leader decides to plant a church that will be aimed at quantity (and by default lose quality). The enemy will sometimes allow a work to grow because while satan has no power to stop salvation, he can frustrate Holy Spirit growth. So satan leaves these things alone. People making salvation commitments is a type of fruit and I hope these people reap reward for this. However, it is rare that this type of quantity orientated set up can bear the quality.
The ancient city of Sardis was known for being impenetrable. This led to a lax attitude by those on guard. Eventually their enemies found a way to penetrate the city. This occurred several times throughout history. This is a strategy of Satan... he won't frustrate a mega church, he will simply watch the downward spiral of faithfulness then weave into the gaping hole of 'compromise.'
Be Alert!
Gary Ward
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