Every day we choose a path to take, whether it be walking, traveling, going to church, school, work, vacation, visiting others, etc., to make major choices/decisions in life. The choices we make lead us to different avenues. Sometimes, the choices we make or the plans we prepare lead us in the right way and some may also not result in the way we had hoped. These paths lead us to different destinations.
Amongst any book you may read, the Bible is the only book where the Author is in love with the reader. God’s heart is revealed in the stories of the Scripture. These life stories and passages illustrate creative solutions to encourage and guide us on our journey of the life we are given from God. As we hear these life stories from the Bible, do we take time to reflect on God’s character? Or about his unconditional love he offers in each passage? Do we take the time to meditate on scripture and apply it to our life? “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17. We read the scriptures and pray to hear the voice of God talking to us. Christ is the source of the beginning and end, for all things in our life. He is the one who gives us life and determines how long we are on this earth. As we navigate through our journey of life, we come across different experiences, both good and bad. Each passage and life story that we learn about in Scripture, the characters all had different paths and crossroads.
The Bible portrays people of all backgrounds – heroes, sinful people, and the righteous. Each of these life stories show us how God showed them the way to take. God used each of these characters, whom all had different gifts/talents/skills and life experiences. Noah: God warned Noah of the evil and corrupted world, Noah obeyed God and built the ark as instructed. Noah did not conform to this world. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son, based on his obedience to God. Daniel had the gift of interpreting dreams and had full faith in God amongst being in the lions’ den. Habakkuk: throughout this book, Habakkuk engages in a dialogue with God and complains, but realizes God’s faithful character. Job was faithful and put his hope in God when he lost everything and as a result was eventually blessed in his life. Ruth & Naomi both experience loss of loved ones and remain loyal to each other and God. Woman at the well: rejected by society, but loved by Christ.
Sometimes we may fall along the way, we may take a wrong turn, make mistakes, come across detours, but Jesus Christ is the way. Through our relationship with him, we learn to believe and trust him with our life and all the paths he takes us through. God made a way from the old times filled with laws and evil through paths of repentance and for us to use our hearts to sincerely worship God and to love him. It is our choice to repent, confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
As we navigate through our journey of life, we realize that God is our destination.
Christmas: Our Savior is born
Everything that took place on the first Christmas was to fulfill the purpose of the Scriptures. Mary and Joseph had a plan, to start their lives together, but God had a bigger purpose, for our Savior to be born. Joseph traveled from familiar to unfamiliar places. Even though Joseph and Mary had their doubts and fears, they chose to obey God’s plan. Our Savior was born in the town of Bethlehem, which means the house of bread. Ironically, Jesus was born in a manger, which was a trough/open box in a stable designed to feed livestock. The manger was used as a crib, but it was used to symbolize that Christ was the Bread of Life. People of all backgrounds witnessed and traveled all distances to see this great miracle and to meet our Savior – Angels, a great company of the great host, Shepherds, Magi/Wise Men. “the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed” Matthew 2:9-10. The star was the route that showed the Magi the way to our Savior. Amidst the darkness, the star gave light to those who were seeking God. The truth, is the light that shows you the way and life. “he said, 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. There may be times in life where the road may seem lost or we lose hope, but God is a light for those periods of darkness. He is a guide for those who have lost their way. There may be times you may face rejection, but in reality it may be a redirection to something better. As Joseph and Mary accepted God’s divine plan for their lives, let us embrace with open arms and an open mind all the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, which lead us to the mystery of the gift of life.
His ways are always perfect.
Easter: Eternal life
As we end our Christmas celebrations, we look forward to Easter, His Resurrection and Eternal life. God came to earth in the form of a man to save his own creation, from the manger to the cross. At the last supper, Jesus explains to the disciples that the bread is a symbol of his body and wine a symbol of his blood which is given for our sins to be forgiven. Through his death he removed our bondage to sin; through his resurrection, he gave us the promise of new and eternal life. Easter is all about God being victorious over everything. Let us reflect on the journey of Christ which was filled with suffering, betrayals, rejection, compassion, grace and humility. Christ made the way for us to live in eternity. The cross and resurrection provide us hope and meaning for life. We are assured we have a God who truly loves us beyond our comprehension.
As we approach lent, let us reflect on Christ’s journey, unconditional love and how we can deepen our relationship with him. Let us be thankful for everything and every experience. Let us share his love and be kind to one another.
Let us dedicate our life to the one who laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16).
This new year, in your journey, may you choose the steps and paths that lead you to your destination.
Wishing you all a Happy, Blessed and Fruitful New Year!