Sunday 10 June 2012

The Captain speaks

Captain Butterfly has just pointed out - with many a smug cry of GOTCHA!! - that when I said:" Once again "the world" is doing all it can to persuade us away from "the strait and narrow road" that leads to life" (in my last blog), I have misquoted Matthew.

And I have had to admit that he is right.

Jesus said:   “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." - Matthew 7:13,14  (New World translation)

The King James translation says:  "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."


His Lordship was questioning my use of the word "strait" - which seemed a bit of tautology: "the strait and narrow road".  But as you see, the Bible actually defines the gate as "strait" and the road as "narrow". So they are both difficult to enter and restricting.  And so many prefer the broad easy way "the world" offers - do what you like and believe what suits you - as long as nobody gets hurt.


What is left out of that equation is that people always always get hurt when we ignore Jehovah's law and go our own way.  But it is a free choice, for everyone of us.  Jehovah respect the free will He gave us.


But "the strait gate" and "the narrow road" leads to life - and to "the glorious freedom of the children of God".


The Channel is calm, the sky is a bit overcast with rain forecast for later.  I hope I won't be driving back from the meeting this afternoon in the pouring rain, but it seems likely.


Jacks came round for a Thai takeway last night.  The LemonGrass provided the food, excellent and on time. And I made us an Eton Mess for afters. But I make an arthitis-friendly one, using Greek yoghourt, rather than cream.  


Remembered to show her Bea's beautiful silk painting - not that she could miss it as it has a prominent place in the sitting room, but forgot to show her the paper version of "Old Playgrounds".

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