Broad is the Way

He humbles those who dwell on high,
he lays the lofty city low;
he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust...
The path of the righteous is level;
O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
Isaiah 26:5,7 (NIV)

"Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it." ~ Matthew 7:13-14 (HNV)

I have seen an end to all perfection;
Your command is exceedingly broad.
Oh how I love Your Law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Psalms 119:96-97 (LITV)

Contrasts bring the Bible alive! Isaiah describes the proud as being laid low—leveled—and humbled. Yet the way of the one who is righteous (because he humbles himself) is also level, for the Lord makes his way smooth.

Jesus warned that broad is the way which leads to destruction—a highway with many travelers headed to hell fast and casually—while the gate to enter life is narrow and the way restricted—restricted to Jesus and Him alone. No one comes to the Father except through Christ.

Then one enters life, and discovers that the once restrictive commandment is liberal and broad. "Thou shall not" is now promise fulfilled and describes the condition of my heart. Perfection itself has limits, but the commandment is exceedingly liberating by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Who but our God of wonders could say "broad is the way of destruction," and then perfect His commandment in broad liberty? What an awe-inspiring God we have!

God of Wonders, You are holy and good. We readily declare Your majesty and might. We are awed that You have chosen us for life and led us there and given us the gift of faith. Please help us yield to the power of Your Spirit, and perfect in us the good work You have begun.

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