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You Have Reached Your Destination!
by Alan Allegra "After 300 yards, turn left," says the tiny yet enchanting feminine voice with the colorful map for a face. In a world of technological wizardry, I have finally entered the 20th century. I have no cell phone, no computer, and no IPod, but I have titanium implants, two VCRs, borderline HDL, and a GPS. My GPS is my friend. The two most comforting phrases spoken by my 12-volt companion are, "Replanning," and "You have reached your destination." The first is a gentle reminder that I didn't pay attention to the previous instruction, and the latter means I made it safe and sound. To travelers, GPS means "Global Positioning System." This system lets you know where you are on earth and, turn by turn, how to get to your destination. It is not infallible, but for the navigationally challenged, it's good enough. It gets you where you want to go. When traveling the unstoppable pathway of time to your final destination, there is another GPS that never fails and never needs recharging. It was programmed once, never needs updating, and works for everyone everywhere, in every culture and ethnic group, no matter how technologically or otherwise challenged. I call this system "God Provides Scripture." No matter where you are, where you have been, and where you think you are headed, this GPS will give precise, easy-to-understand direction. You will always reach your destination. The bible's guarantee is, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). That includes every possible spiritual need you can have. In other words, Scripture provides directions to keep you on track and make you complete. God offers everyone two eternal destinations: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). "Everlasting life" means "heaven;" everlasting contempt is "hell." The path you take in life will determine your final destination. King David said of the right way: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). On the other hand, Jesus himself gave this warning: "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" (Luke 12:5). God has only two destinations programmed into His GPS, and it's easy to pick the wrong one. Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13, 14). There is one caveat: The road to life is a toll road. There is a price to pay that no man can afford. That price is the punishment for sin. No one is allowed to pass through the gate until the price is paid. The good news--the gospel--is that Jesus Christ paid that penalty on the cross: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people" (2 Timothy 2:5, 6). Jesus paid the toll and opened wide the gate to heaven! Along the way, we will drift aside from the paths of righteousness, but GPS will replan. We can return to the Scriptures to find where we've strayed, receive forgiveness, and get back on the path. Jesus promised: "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). After the twists and turns of life, we will hear a comforting voice say, "You have reached your destination!" (Matthew 25:23). Alan is editor of Lifestyles Over 50 (Thrive Media) and contributor to the Allentown, PA, Morning Call. He is also an adult Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader. Passionate about reviving theology and church methodology, and being a senior citizen! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |