I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days viewing a virtual lectureship, and working on sermon planning for 2021. I typically try to find a place that is fairly isolated, so that it’s free from distractions. This year, I came across a place called “Garden of the Gods” in Illinois. Since it was only a couple hours from Hoptown, I thought that would work out well. And, while the time spent focusing on spiritual matters was definitely beneficial … the drive there was an adventure.
The first hour and a half seemed pretty normal – albeit a lot of smaller roads. Then, I started seeing signs that said “Ferry Closed.” I thought, “Ferry? Surely I’m not headed toward a ferry.” So, I pulled out my phone, and … sure
enough, the next direction it was giving me was … catch the ferry. I was only a couple miles away from this ferry, so I went ahead and drove on. But, sure enough, there was a ferry to get across to Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, and no other way to cross.
And I just sat there for a minute, looking out at the river, kind of dumbfounded that the only way to get across was a ferry … in 2020!! … Now, fortunately, I was able to call my destination, and they helped me reroute further north, and cross the bridge into Shawneetown, IL. And, I really only lost about 30 minutes by going to the place that required a ferry.
But, here’s the point. It didn’t matter how upset I was, or how much of a fit I would have thrown … I was NOT getting across that river without that ferry. I wasn’t swimming across, I wasn’t just barreling ahead in my truck and driving across. There was absolutely nothing I could do.
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
We can try every way we want to get to God… but, without Jesus it simply will not happen. We could throw a tantrum, and talk all day about how “unfair” it is to those who are steeped in cultures that worship false gods like Allah, Buddha, or Shiva. But, there is only one way.
The challenge, then, for us is two-fold. First, we must all be sure we are taking that single path to God, through Jesus Christ. And, second, it’s our responsibility to tell the world about it. There’s only one way. This is the way.
— Bryan
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