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 is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples were even more amazed and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Mark 10:24-26
It’s been called the 5th Par 5 at Isleworth. Hole #2, a 234 yd Par 3 from the Tiger tees, demands a straight shot through a bowling alley lined on each side by Cedar trees with a lake on the right. Awaiting your tee shot is an undulated green surrounded by bunkers. Who then can make par?
Legend has it that prior to the 1997 Masters, Tiger was playing a practice round at Isleworth with Mark O’Meara. The previous day, Tiger shot a 59. He started this round with an eagle and then aced No. 2. O’Meara walked off the course.
I’ve been fortunate to play many rounds at Isleworth. Every time I stand on the tee box of #2, the visual reminds me of the scripture above: It is a “Narrow Way” to the green.
There have been many rounds where a tee shot nicks a tree, finds the water, or disappears completely. Only to walk off the green, looking back at the “Narrow Way” with a double bogey 5, common enough for members to call it the 5th Par 5 at Isleworth.
All of us reading this devotional have likely journeyed through life with times of errant decisions leading to seasons of despair, pain, guilt, and shame. The difference between shame and guilt is shame says I am no good, whereas guilt can be a pivotal point the Holy Spirit uses to turn me towards the Savior.
As intimidating as the tee shot is on this hole at Isleworth, the thrill of playing it, even with all the trouble around it, is much better than simply being a spectator.
Isn’t that somewhat similar to life? Trouble all around us, a narrow path to success, with danger and uncertainty all along the journey. But we play on.
Narrow is the way to everlasting life, and Jesus paved the path to this life a little over 2000 years ago.
Jesus is the way to eternal life. This may have been the boldest statement Jesus made when he replied to Thomas’ question, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, and how can we know the way?”
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
That sounds very narrow-minded at first blush. Bold even. However, Jesus is the only one who claimed to be God, predicting His death and resurrection. Many eyewitnesses testified they saw him alive after the crucifixion.
If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus, consider going “All In” with Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, to be with you, and guide you through the troubles of life.
After our life has been played out, we won’t look back at all the double bogies but in gratitude for our Savior Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and I put my complete trust in you. Help me to love you and others well.