As we have gone through this series, we have made several stops where we found those who were traveling from one place to another.
- On the road to Jericho, we found the Good Samaritan who stopped to help one who had fallen among robbers. This taught us a lesson about loving our neighbor.
- On the road to Emmaus, we encountered two disciples who were visited by the resurrected Lord. There we learned about recognizing Jesus.
- On the road to Gaza, we met a man from Ethiopia who studied the Scriptures with Phillip. This taught is about preaching Jesus.
- On the road to Damascus, we were introduced to Saul who would later be known as the apostle Paul. Through this example we learned about converting the enemy.
In each of these examples, the individuals who traveled down these roads had the opportunity to do some good deed or learn some valuable lesson. Yet it is important to note that these opportunities and lessons were not the intended purpose of the journey. The travelers had other reasons for their trips, yet these noteworthy encounters met them along the way.
We may make plans to go from one place to another and to do this or that. There is nothing wrong with making plans. The wise man said, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage” (Proverbs 21:5). Planning is good and necessary, yet we should not be so caught up in our prearranged agenda that we miss (or intentionally pass over) opportunities for growth and service. We need to be willing to change our plans – or put them on hold – in order to deal with such matters that we encounter.
As we go through our lives, let us also be mindful of the road we are traveling metaphorically. Jesus described this in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
We have a choice to travel either the narrow way or the broad way. The broad way is easy and popular, but it leads to destruction. The narrow way is difficult, yet it leads to life. Let us make sure we are among the “few” who choose the narrow way. Regardless of what literal road we travel in this life, what situation is before us, and where we find ourselves, let us make sure we are doing the Lord’s will, growing in our faith, and helping others along the way.
