Am I the only one who watches the edge of the road reflective markers, especially the ones indicating miles, in tenths? The blue markers on the interstate highway system shine brightly and appear rhythmically, placed at well-measured intervals.
Revisiting the text from yesterday’s item, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15) Jesus’ mission is not an afterthought or "Plan B." Consider a few of the rhythmically placed markers which were placed by the Spirit to guide all men to salvation. Each promise, each prediction, each experience reinforces the declared will and purpose of a God determined to save people.
In the Garden of Eden, before the first family was evicted, God said to Satan, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Mile Marker #1 on Salvation Highway, Genesis 3:15) The incarnation, Jesus’ sinless life, Gethsemane, the sham of trials, Calvary, death and burial all led to the "He will crush your head" moment on Resurrection Sunday. The first marker on "Salvation Highway" has glowed brightly throughout almost all of human history.
The prophets drove in stakes of truth, "Salvation Highway" mile markers, at key intervals centuries before Jesus appeared in Bethlehem’s manger. Isaiah, moved along by the Spirit, was so sure of the truth about Jesus that he predicted in the past tense, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-5)
Isaiah added, "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:9)
Zechariah added a marker which has reflected an intense light on "Salvation Highway" for millennia. "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See. Your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9) One may ignore the markers, careening carelessly and willfully, but the road is well marked and God has made every provision to provide safe passage.
Joseph, the man who was engaged to be married to Mary and who provided for Jesus in his boyhood, heard in a dream concerning Mary, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Elizabeth, Zechariah and others added markers reflecting the light of God’s love on "Salvation Highway."
Jesus was fully aware of His mission. Jesus read from the Prophet Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." (Luke 4:18)
When challenged by the religious establishment about His authority to forgive sins, Jesus drove another reflective marker on "Salvation Highway" with a powerful declaration and display of power. The religious "Began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’
Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.... He said to the paralyzed man, I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.
Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’" (Luke 5:21-26)
Life may be like a long road, winding through undeveloped wilderness. The perils of the nighttime darkness often include doubts, irrational fears, and anxieties about "worst case scenarios," which almost never materialize. One can count down the miles to go before arrival. People who see the markers and observe their meaning, are people on their way to a specific, Jesus-prepared destination. It is His will and purpose to save! The exit ramp is well marked. All who travel the road observing the markers, staying between the dangerous ditches, arrive safely!
Bob, a friend of mine, uses "StalledVW" as his e-mail name. He claims he is stalled on the information highway. But, I know better, Bob is cruising, making great time, on "Salvation Highway." Bob shared an illustration that fits the travel theme. When Joseph Cardinal Bernadin, of Chicago passed away years ago, his chauffeur eulogized the prelate. He concluded by talking about the times he would be driving the Cardinal home and look in the rear-view mirror to see the Cardinal sound asleep. On occasion he would arrive at the Cardinal’s residence and awaken him with, "Your Eminence, you’re home, you’re home." And, that is how the eulogist ended his message.
Someday the question we have all asked, will be answered in the affirmative, "Are we THERE yet?" Watch the markers!
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