The Wilderness Highway
'A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make
straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised
up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the
rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all
mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken... All men
are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass
withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the
word of our God stands forever.' (Isaiah 40:1-8)
"Look at that highway that these people are building in the wilderness,"
complained a blade of grass.
"How foolish! Don't they know that desserts are for
rabbits, snakes and foxes? Nobody will use their highway!"
"Maybe there is a purpose to this," remarked a different blade of grass, the
Wise One.
"Purpose? Purpose!" shouted another blade, the one they called the Religious
One. "This goes against what our religious rules are dictating! We are not here
to build a highway in a deserted place. We are here to obey rules and
regulations and make sure others adhere to these principles!"
"Why don't we wait and see what comes out of it?" suggested the Wise One.
But the first blade of grass wouldn't let it go: "Who do they think they are?
Look! Valleys are being raised up and mountains torn down! How can we lead a
successful life that way? How ridiculous!"
Then the Frivolous One joined in: "And I had so much fun going in the valleys of
pleasure. Where will I find my entertainment when all this is done?"
"They are turning our world upside down!" continued the first one. "Why don't
they consult our religious authorities before making their rash decisions!"
All of a sudden, the skies were engulfed in dark, ominous clouds, which blocked
the light to the whole landscape. Lightning began striking at random. A voice
was heard, and to those who opposed the construction of the new road, it was
terrifying: "Hear ye. Hear ye. This highway will be your way to salvation. My
own Son is building it with His own blood. Anyone of you deciding to travel on
it will be transformed from a miserable life of addictions into a life filled
with purpose and real fulfillment!"
"Could it be that this highway is what we have been looking for?" The eager
question came from the blade of grass who was always searching.
""Don't be ridiculous," shouted the Religious One. "Wouldn't we, the religious
leaders, know about it if it were?"
Then the Wise One did something that would be considered foolish to the rest of
them. He leaned over to the highway and started to walk on it, and before
everyone's eyes, he was transformed, bit-by-bit, into a creature filled with
light.
Everybody watched in amazement. "Who does he think he is?" snarled the
Complainer.
But the question of the Questioning One left everyone in deep thought: "Is it
possible that he has become a child of God?"
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My friend, this highway exists. It was introduced by John the Baptist 2000 years
ago, and was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. That road is Jesus: John 14:6: "I am the
way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Religious people will disagree with you. They will emphasize that the road to
heaven can only be obtained through your own efforts. Others will proclaim it
does not matter; everyone will be saved, so why not enjoy the pleasures of this
world?
However, the Bible is clear: Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for
there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
It's amazing that under the guidance of Jesus we have no reason to be proud, for
mountains are leveled by His presence. Neither do depression and worthlessness
have any place in His kingdom, for He raises every valley. Instead, we become
children of God and start to enjoy real life. I know this personally, for I walk
this highway!
Friend, will you stay on the prairies as a blade of grass, or will you travel
the wilderness highway? Since the choice is yours, why not try the highway? Come
to Jesus and ask Him into your life. True fulfillment can only be found in Him!
Rob Chaffart