The Narrow Way

Gen 43:2 And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. 3 And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. 4 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food

After many days of careful rationing and austere meals, everything eventually finishes. I remember the story of the prodigal son. After, even the food of pigs became scarce – he eventually came to his senses, Indeed, returning to the will and purpose of God could be challenging and there could be loss of face, we may not be welcome and in some cases restitution will be costly. Judah speaks of the situation awaiting them in Egypt and the conditions that have been laid down.

Why does God place difficult conditions for our ultimate glorification? Why is it that the way to Heaven is narrow and few find and walk it? Why is it that Christianity in its truest form is also about painful sacrifices? A casual approach to God that costs us nothing is a fake experience. Christianity is not a tea party and that which costs nothing is worthless to us. But we say Christ has paid a price and he paid it all … very true … salvation cost God all. But how about us … will we value that which we are accustomed to taking so lightly … that which demanded nothing from us. Will we worship a God and appreciate the value a God we gave up nothing for.

God asks that we present what we cherish most … our bodies as a living sacrifice and be holy. He knows it is in our power to do so. But like Jacob, we have no intention to release the beloved Benjamin until the famine gets sore. I have encountered Christians with salvation experiences which seemed to be just God giving everything to them … they saw the need for no sacrifice, they protected their lives and sought to use God to obtain things. I doubt if this is real. When God puts us on the narrow way, we are living sacrifices and must lay all down and learn self-denial … crucifying the flesh, daily.

The pain of living a life set apart, consecrated and given totally to God … releasing all that we cherish to Him eventually becomes the bridge to a beautiful new beginning. You must thank God for the famines that force the right response. You love to sing I surrender all – but what about your Benjamin?

Song.

All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow;

Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me Jesus, take me now.

I surrender all 2ce

All to thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

Prayer: O Lord, Let my life be all surrendered to you. Nothing held back. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa