WHAT ROUTE?
By Pastor Ben

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”    (Psalm 119:105)

Most trips offer drivers a variety of routes. Flexible travelers with a sense of adventure can usually make great memories on two-lane highways. Along with impressive scenery, those routes often carry descriptive names like, “The Road to Nowhere,” or “The Loneliest Road,” or “The Great River Road.”

Since scenic routes usually take longer, I’m guessing travelers often choose a different way home. Saving time seems wise and the thrill of adventure has evaporated.

The alternate route was also the way home for some men known as Magi, who traveled a long way on what could have been named, “The Starlight Path to Bethlehem.” After they worshiped the Christ Child, Jesus, God changed their travel plans:

“And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, [the Wise Men] departed to their own country by another way.”                (Matthew 2:12)

To keep both His own Son and the Magi safe, God directed the Wise Men to take a different route home. To keep them faithful after they got home, He may have put their daily routines on a different route, as well. After meeting their true Savior, the Magi likely left their reverence for eastern gods by the side of the road in Bethlehem.
Is God nudging you toward an alternate route these days? Perhaps . . .

Your usual path of selfish pride has led to broken relationships;
Your preferred route of pet sins is comfortable but taking you away from God’s Word;
Your win-at-all-costs shortcuts have created outward success at the expense of your faith.

You may look up one day and find yourself lost on a lonely two-lane road to nowhere. But remember, it’s not too late to turn around. God has a path of repentance ready and waiting for you. Here’s His invitation:

“Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”                    (Joel 2:13)

Best of all, Jesus and His promises of forgiveness and new life follow you wherever you go. Forgiveness frees, lives change, faith grows, and hope triumphs for those who dwell in Jesus’ presence.

PRAYER STARTER:
Dear Jesus, change me. Forgive me. Renew my faith. Lead my life down the route You have chosen for me . . .