Hello everyone,
Need to find your way to a new restaurant downtown? No problem. Just tap in the address on your GPS and step by step, turn by turn, it will guide you to your destination. It works wonderfully….until it doesn’t. I still vividly remember my surprise and sense of betrayal when my GPS led me to a completely wrong address in Chicago an hour away from where I wanted to be.
It’s one thing to be inconvenienced on a road trip, but it’s an entirely different matter when it comes to finding our way through life. We need direction. We haven’t been this way before. Each day is a new experience and our view of the future is blurry and short-term at best. So whom or what are we going to follow? Some trust their “instincts” to lead them, but that only takes them to a dead end. “The sinful mind is hostile to God” (Rom. 8:7). Others “follow the money” and believe they are on the right path as long as their income keeps increasing. Yet Jesus observes: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Following the crowd guarantees plenty of company, but the Lord warns: “Broad is the road that leads to destruction” (Matt. 7:13).
If you want a sure and successful route through all the dangers, twists and turns, valleys and crossroads of life, look to the One who has gone ahead of us. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6). Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12).
Jesus leads us on the path of repentance where we come to realize how distant we are from God by nature and how far we stray from His way on our own. And when we would otherwise give up in despair, He shows us His cross where He paid for all our wrongs. He pauses at the empty tomb which proclaims victory and life for all who trust in Him.
Need to find your way through the maze of questions, fears, temptations, and challenges which make up life here on earth? No problem. Just keep your eyes on Jesus!
In Sunday’s sermon text (Jn. 10:22-30), the Lord assures us that He is the Good Shepherd and we are His beloved flock, so that we can confidently follow Him all the way to glory.
Remember tomorrow’s work day (Sat.). Even if you can only come for a short time, your help will be appreciated. There are a variety of projects both inside and out. The fun begins at 9 a.m.
In Christ,
Pastor
