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Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 In the clearest language, Jesus says He is the only route to take that leads to God the Father. He is the only means or mode thereof, that leads to the Father.
People, however, have always sought any other method to find or be right with God. Too many people follow their own hearts and fail to recall Proverbs 16:25, which says, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 repeats that same message.
Scripture addresses various “ways” of life, such as the way of wisdom or our foolish ways. It also says that God is mighty and is our refuge who removes obstacles in our way.
God notes the way we choose to live and is uniquely aware of all the different routes, choices and methods we face.
But think with me about the words Jesus says: “I am the way.”
Scripture interprets scripture. The Old Testament supports and reveals meaning and provides understanding.
Jeremiah the prophet spoke for the Lord when he said, “… I will give you a choice between two courses of action. One will result in life; the other will result in death.” (Jer. 21:8) Like a small child wandering through the forest who encounters a fork in the path. Both ways appear similar, and likely he wonders which is the correct one. Which path should I take that leads to safety and wellbeing? What path leads to success, and is there any way for me to know for sure?
We often follow patterns we saw as a child, not always good, but familiar. Sometimes we choose anything different from what we knew, but is choosing different just for the sake of it better?
It might be good to ponder that. Do we base our beliefs and eternal future on a loving grandparent’s word, or a wonderful family friend? What influences your choice — friends, family, culture or seeking sophistication or intellect?
There are many examples today of those who sought to prove the Bible wrong, and surprisingly, many of their searches led them to the truth of Jesus.
Jesus’ way is narrow. His way is clear. We must be born-again, as He told Nicodemus in John 3.
We must be born, or we will never be part of God’s family.
That is His way. Are you in this family? Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
