Many Or Few?

When you think of people, with respect to the word “few,” what comes to mind? How about words like rich, privileged, elite, A-listers? What about the word “many” in the same context? Maybe thoughts of the masses, the poor and needy, middle America?

Would you be surprised to know that God keeps two lists; an A and a B? List A is populated with people who someday will receive incredible blessings, indescribable privileges, unfathomable joy, a life that has no sorrow, no worry, no sickness, no liars, cheats, or thieves. The B list is one filled with the “not so much.”

In our world, people who work hard,

are determined, and willing to sacrifice, are often rewarded with positions, prestige, and personal wealth. Do you think there are many or few in this group? There’s another group who view this group with envy, jealousy, resentment and worse. Why? It’s likely they don’t see the effort invested by the first group and have wrong thoughts about their success. It’s also possible that the success of group one subtly confronts group two’s laziness, lack of drive and goals, and blame of others for their situation.

In my church, we’re moving through Luke on Sunday mornings. This week we are in Chapter 13, verses 22-28. Jesus was asked by someone in the crowd, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” He answered saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” There are many implications in Jesus’ response.

The first word tells us it’s not going to be easy.

“Strive” means hard work, commitment, make every effort, stick with it. Why is the door narrow? It’s because there is no crowd mania at the door. Everyone is invited in personally. He’s also saying that we can’t bring any baggage (metaphorically sin) with us. Job said in Job 1:21: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb. And naked I shall return there.”

Is it hard to find and that’s why many will not be able? No. It’s clearly marked “Jesus followers enter here.” He also tells the crowd that at some point the door will be closed. And once it is, you can knock all you want and plead with the doorkeeper that you “ate and drank” with Jesus, and He “taught in our streets” but it won’t do you any good. Jesus’ response may seem harsh, “Depart from Me all you evildoers” but you were warned (and warned, and warned again) and chose poorly.

Few is a relative term.

If it’s 3% of 100 that’s a lot different than 3% of 100,000,000. The finite number is not the issue. The issue is how do I get my name on the A list? It doesn’t come from any of the things listed above in either category. We can’t buy our way to heaven. We can’t “good-works” our way to heaven. There is ONLY one way: faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to atone for yours and my sin. Jesus said: “He who come to Me, I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37)

We don’t know when the door will close.

We just have to be ready when He calls. “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27). “…and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.”(Ps.139:16). Don’t be like the ones who were outside knocking on the door only to hear Jesus tell you He doesn’t know you. If you attend church but aren’t really plugged into the Holy Spirit and His daily leading you, don’t mistake familiarity for faith. You don’t want to be left out. If you’d like to know more about how to have a relationship with Jesus that lands you on His A list, click here: Steps To Salvation .

Thanks for reading.