PENTECOST XI

August 8, 2021

“Finding the Way”      

Since winter is in the distant past, we’re now enjoying the other season here in the Midwest — construction!  Most of us drive on our usual, familiar routes, whether on the way to or from work, taking children to their summer activities, or simply trying to run a couple of errands. You just want to go where you need to go, and then, seemingly to thwart you at every turn, the forests of orange cones and barrels, workmen and their large, noisy equipment, and, of course, the dreaded “Road Closed” barriers.  We’re so often on autopilot driving along familiar streets, that we end up all out of sorts as we try to get to and from our usual destinations.      

Of course, at this time of year, many folks are headed out of town, perhaps going on a day trip for a change of scenery, or taking a vacation in a packed-to-the limit car.  Everyone has their own idea of how to plan, whether it includes programming the car GPS very specifically, going old-school with paper maps, or taking the “figuring it out as we go along” approach.       

Many of our ancestors in the faith were nomadic people, whose lives were spent wandering and rootless except for their relationship with God.  Their culture was one of short-term locations, uncertainty, and often, hardship.  No wonder writers of the Old Testament expressed a need to learn God’s way.  There are appeals to God to guide them, to teach them to live according to his commandments.  The prophet Joshua told the people to observe what Moses had commanded them: “To love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, . . . to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”   (22:5b)  King David spoke of his trust in God’s guidance: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  (Psalm 119:105)     

Jesus’ followers had been raised in the Jewish tradition, steeped in the Law and its detailed instructions for every aspect of life, and were eager to learn the new ways Jesus was teaching.  The Gospel of John (14:1-7)  describes a conversation Jesus has with his disciples, in which he speaks of going to his Father, telling them they know the way. Bewildered, Thomas says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going.  How can we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Here Jesus defines his very self as the means by which we may be in relationship with God, as he is one with the Father, and the Father is one with him.      

Centuries later, God’s people continue to search for the way, the direction we should take in our lives, and we have God’s Word to lead us.  We are further assured that we have guidance and the eternal promise of Christ himself, that we never travel alone.  Jesus spoke, saying, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”   (John 8:12) 

Grateful for light along the path,

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Rogers