And a Highway will be there, it will be called "The Way of Holiness," The unclean will not journey on it, it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it...But, only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing, everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
(Isaiah 35:8-10)
Jesus answered, "I am the Way."
(John 14:6)
It is a pity the many believe that Christ is the way to the Father as a door is the way into another room. The word translated "way" is commonly translated "road." The way to the Father does not just begin with Christ, but THE WHOLE WAY IS CHRIST. All of the spiritual travels of the believer are on the "Christ-way." It is sometimes a mountain-way, sometimes a valley-way; it is sometimes a bright-way, it is sometimes a dark-way: but it is always the "Christ-way."
Thomas Manton once said, "Who would not go to heaven when Christ is the way?" Let us not act as though the way to glory is not glorious itself. We are on the "Christ-way," a beautifully scenic road to glory. I can understand why many a religious person is sour and grumpy: he is traveling a heavily congested roadway of rush-hour religionists - hurry here, rush there, try to pass this fellow, cut off that fellow, "honk, honk," "screech," all the way to hell.
But the Christ-way: it is certainly not congested, there is no rush-hour traffic, and there is beautiful scenery around every bend. Acceptance on one side, righteousness on the other; bright sunshine blessings on every hill-top, cool mercy-streams in every valley. And how gracious the other drivers are! If you have a flat tire, they do not honk their disapproval that you are blocking traffic - they get out and help fix it. There are no thieves to fear, every hitch-hiker is safe. There are no policemen for there are no law-breakers. There are plenty of way-stations at which the traveler may stop, there to fellowship with other travelers, and refresh himself with free food and drink. A glorious road to a glorious destination!
It is all too easy for us to dwell on the troubles of this life and bemoan the condition of God's church. But the fact is, brothers, this is Immanuel's land,! Let us be happy. Slow down; enjoy the trip. We shall arrive at our destination at the appointed time. Let us, for now, delight ourselves in the glories of the Way.
pastor@rvgrace.com
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