Knife’s Edge

“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 the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-24

I have been told, though have never seen for myself, that there is a section on Mt. Katahdin called Knife’s Edge.  It is reportedly so narrow and steep that a step too far to the right or left would plunge the hiker to most certain death.  It seems to me that the road to life that Yeshua/ Jesus is referencing in Matthew might be similar.  When I think about the many times in my life where I have exercised poor judgement, made bad decisions or have actively chosen to sin, the resulting consequences have not been unlike a misstep and a tumble off the Knife’s Edge.  

In this sense, the road is indeed narrow and not many are able to find it.  I suppose Yeshua was talking about spiritual death, but I also must wonder if He meant that the only way to really experience life to the fullest is to stay so focused on the path that God has chosen for me, my eyes fixed on Him as were those of the Israelites in the desert when they followed the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. 

The apostle Peter certainly experienced this when he walked on water with the Lord. As soon as his focus shifted from the Savior to the storm, he began to sink beneath the waves. 

As I reflect upon this, a vision of a recent documentary enters my mind where mountain goats were seeking  the refuge of the highest steepest ledges upon which to bear and raise their young.  The sight of mere infant goats, surefooted within hours of birth, deftly choosing their steps amidst sharp outcroppings loose shale, leaning hard into the side of the mountain.....makes me believe that this is how we are to pursue and experience God.

It was rather amusing to see the futile attempts of the foxes as they chased the little goats.....leaping, stumbling, falling.  One thing is clear to me from this illustration is that the enemy cannot possibly harm us as we seek safety with the Lord.  He may pursue us, even harass us  but he cannot have us.  Just as the devil thought he had won when our Savior was crucified....he lost because death lost.  

It seems to me that security comes from dwelling in the high places of God, always pressing into Him  From such a vantage point, my perspective is not only clear, but gravity and difficult footing cause me to rely totally on His protection and guidance. Perhaps the key to finding and following the narrow path that Yeshua was referencing is to choose my steps wisely, deftly stepping around sharp outcroppings, avoiding loose footing....all the while leaning hard into the mountainside which is Christ.