Weddings of Emmanuel Hlongwane & Edna Shezi and Muziwenkosi Seme & Zanele Xaba
Matthew 7
13 Enter by the narrow gate…
Matthew 6
33 But first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
These two verses were chosen independently by the two bridegrooms, who gave the following comments on the verses they’ve chosen:
Emmanuel Hlongwane, “Though the entrance is narrow, God insists that you and I must enter thereby. It is easy to enter the broad way, but its end is hell.”
Muziwenkosi Seme, “Each and everyone must seek God’s Kingdom first. Do not be distracted by anything else, but seek God’s Kingdom first in your life.”
These words were spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. At the Last Day we shall all stand before Him and we will have to give account to Him about our lives.
Note that this is God’s command, “Enter by the narrow gate.” It is not optional. Jesus is not the supreme gentleman who gives you a choice. He is seeking no favour from you. He commands you for He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Woe to you if you don’t obey Him; you will be the one eternally condemned.
Let this be absolutely clear – this command of God is a must. The only alternative is eternal death.
There was once a great queen in England, queen Victoria. She ruled when England was still great. At that time it was said that the sun does not set on the British Empire for they ruled countries from right around the world. Queen Victoria loved to go for walks through the woods of England, all alone. She said, “I love to walk alone, for then I can talk with my Lord and Saviour.” One day while she walked it started to rain heavily. She saw a cottage in the forest and ran to it for shelter. An old lady opened the cottage door and asked her what she wanted. She asked for an umbrella, and the old lady gave her one of her oldest umbrellas, saying rudely, “and be sure to return it quickly.” Queen Victoria thanked her saying, “thank you very much; may God bless you richly.” The next day a top ranking officer returned the umbrella with a thank-you note signed, “Queen Victoria.” The old lady turned as white as a sheet, crying, “if only I had known, I would’ve brought out the very best.” But Queen Victoria never passed by that cottage again.
Today One far superior to queen Victoria is speaking to you and me. When the apostle John saw Him he fainted. We read of His appearance in Revelations 1:14, “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” There are no words to describe Him; He is too glorious, majestic and wonderful!
The seraphims cover their faces crying holy, holy, holy to God the Father Who is Holy, God the Son who is Holy and God the Holy Spirit who is Holy. What will it be like when you stand before Him?
And He is the One who commands you and me to enter by the narrow gate and seek God’s Kingdom first.
The narrow gate implies continued pressure God places on His children. If you are not under His pressure to continually enter by the narrow gate and seek His Kingdom first, you are on your way to hell. This is a narrow way – a way of extreme pressure.
You are commanded to seek the Kingdom of God first; not your matric, career, study or anything else. If you seek anything else first, hell will be your portion. This is a narrow way, and you must enter body, soul and spirit. Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.
No one can serve two masters. No one can serve God and mammon, wife, girlfriend or the pleasures of this world.
Today you are faced with life and death. You cannot continue your life without this absolute focus on the Kingdom of God.