It has been several weeks since I wrote an article. In that time, I have been to Florida on vacation with the family and out to North Carolina for a pastor’s retreat. I have to be honest with you. I was not disappointed to dodge some of the cold Michigan weather we had to endure! It was good to get away, but it was also good to come home.
Over the past couple months, we have set out on our journey to the cross through Mark’s gospel. I hope this study has blessed you as much as it has blessed me. I have picked up on new details in Jesus’ story that had previously escaped me. That is the beauty of the word of God. It regularly reveals new gems of divine insight over the course of a person’s lifetime of reading and study. We are all on a journey together along with Christ.
Consequently, this idea of a journey is more than merely a title for a sermon series. It is the Christian way. In the Bible, being close to and in relationship with God is often viewed as a “walk.” Given that people in the Bible mostly got to where they were headed on their own two feet, the experience of walking was an apt description of doing life with God and with Jesus.
I believe that viewing our relationship with Jesus as a journey or walk is a helpful image that reminds us of several things:
- We have not arrived! We are all still heading forward to and with Jesus as we do life. The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. So, we don’t have to be in a hurry!
- Each step in the journey leads us to new places and experiences. Yes, we may circle back to unhealthy locations that will lead us away from Jesus, but even these provide opportunities for God to teach and grow us, if we will let him.
- Even though we may see many of the same things over and over again, each time we do we are able to view them from a new angle because we are on the move. With this new perspective, God may lead us to healing from old wounds. Seeing them from a new perspective, guided by God’s Spirit, we can find freedom from old hurts even as we are moving forward.
- But, the most comforting part of this idea of a journey is knowing that Jesus is with us! Thus, wherever we may be—good places or not-so-good places—we are not alone. Likewise, we were not meant to take this journey by ourselves. Jesus provides a band of brothers and sisters to help, encourage, direct—and even correct—us along the way.
As we journey to the cross leading up to Easter, we are grateful to know that Jesus took the journey for us and made the way for us to journey to God. Though this may not be an easy journey, it is the best journey possible! The reality is, if you are human, you will experience hills and valleys. Isn’t it comforting to know that you have someone who has gone ahead of you to scout out the territory and come back to deliver you safely to the other side?