I posted an overview of Union Gospel Mission’s Lent Devotional last week and will post four excerpts over the next few weeks. This week’s entry is by Fari Maghami, writing from the Downtown Eastside.
The devotional is widely available in print (check the back shelf in your local church) and online.
Psalm 105:1-42; 2 Chronicles 20:1-22; Luke 13:22-31
Day 13 | Wednesday, March 19
Our passage in Luke 13:22-31 highlights how Jesus drew people from every town to Himself through His teaching, inviting them into His kingdom. As Scripture tells us, faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).
We deepen our knowledge of God and are sanctified by hearing, reading, reflecting on and following Christ’s teachings (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
My hope is that your faith in Christ strengthens you and that you are transformed as you meditate on God’s Word during Lent. Jesus teaches that being familiar with Him (Luke 13:26-27) or merely knowing about Him is not enough for salvation.
He encourages people to “make every effort” (verse 24) to access salvation and live a life that reflects that faith – not implying salvation is earned by human effort but highlighting the need for a sincere and diligent pursuit of faith. Those who hear and follow His words enter through the narrow door. As wise builders, they establish a solid foundation for their lives (Matthew 7:24-25).
Sinners are saved by faith alone, and their faith produces action and good works(James 2:17). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they live for God’s glory. True believers do not merely call themselves Christians; they actively live out their faith rather than putting on a religious façade while living in habitual sin (Mark 7:6).
Today’s passage reveals that the last will be first, and the first will be last. Those considered ‘first’ in worldly terms may be humbled, while the ‘last’ will be exalted.
Fari Maghami
Jesus warns those who believe they are ‘first’ due to their status or achievements to examine their hearts and not rely on self-righteousness. We enter a reconciled relationship with our Holy God only through faith in Christ’s life, death and resurrection, followed by a life of obedience.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for loving the world by sending Your only Son, Jesus, as the one and only narrow door that leads to Your kingdom.
Thank You, King Jesus, that through Your blood of the covenant, poured out for the forgiveness of our sins, we are saved and empowered by the Spirit to live for You.
Fari Maghami is a pastor at Coastal Church, leading Coastal Eden Ministries [which operates Eden Cafe] in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
This comment is re-posted by permission.