There was a 70's TV game show called "Let's Make a Deal" in which the contestant was forced to make decisions based on what door or curtain he thought would lead to the most desired prize on that particular night's show. Usually, one of the doors led to a really bad prize: the "goat". So, for the contestant, often it was a matter of blindly choosing one of the other two doors that he thought would lead him to the prize that would benefit him the most. Life is kind of like that. We are forced to choose from one of two doors.
Which door will you choose in Life? Will it be door number one, with all of its shiny, seemingly beautiful splendor? Will it be the path of the world with all its glossy, loud promises glorifying sin and self where there are seemingly no repercussions for doing the wrong thing? I stress the word, seemingly. That path looks exciting and new, but it will ultimately lead to emptiness, doubt and confusion.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19.
Or will you choose door number two, which looks quite ordinary at first? It will lead to a humble, lesser known path, with unpredictability and the great unknown. But if you take it, your life will never be the same. It will be an adventure unlike anything you have ever known or could ever know. You will know an inner peace that is supernatural in nature. It may be a more difficult path and one that will not bring you great recognition in this world. But you will be putting yourself into the hands of the One who made you, the one who knows you inside and out. God will be on the throne and will lead you every step of the way. And you will not be alone! Ever.
And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age - Matthew 28:20.
For sure, the choice is one of eternal significance. If you choose door one you will choose to live life with yourself on the throne in life, calling the shots, pleasing yourself and always trying to fill that void inside you. Choosing door one might even be the reason that you're here right now. You may have been on the path that door one leads to, but after realizing you messed up, you made a U turn and headed this way. Or you may have gotten off the path that you should be on and now you are trying to find your way to door two, again. You may have committed to the Way of the Lord years ago and something has come in between you and Him. It might be the love of money, alcohol, drugs, sex, sports, entertainment, or even something as innocent as family or work. Anything can come between you and your love of God. Let's face it, there are many idols in this world that take our eyes off of Jesus. Whatever it is, turn back to Him today.
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it - Matthew 7:13-14.
Remember the second chance offered to the prodigal son and choose door number two!
But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." ' And he arose and came to his father - Luke 15:17-20a.
Jesus is the God of second chances who is there waiting for you today.