Life can be considered a journey, and on all journeys it’s useful to have signposts and directions that can help us get from A to B. Maps and SatNavs can be useful guides, but sometimes signs aren’t always that helpful; the French sign pointing to ‘all directions’ and then in the opposite direction pointing to ‘other directions’ being a case in point!
Other confusing signs:
Some signs aren’t confusing, but do seem very bizarre:
For us to drive safely in the UK, we need to understand the Highway Code and obey it, and in the same way, God’s Word provides us with clear directions on how to live well. Psalm 19 is a marvellous psalm talking about the splendour of God’s creation, telling us that ‘the heavens declare the glory of God’ (Ps 19:1) and showing us the magnificence of all God has made. In the middle of the psalm, however, there is a section about God’s laws and His word which I’m going to read in the Message version:
‘The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.’ (Ps 19:8)
‘The directions of God are plain and easy on the eye.’ (Ps 19:8)
‘The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.’ (Ps 19:9)
‘There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?’ (Ps 19:11-12)
If we want to do well in life and live according to God’s ways, we need to find out what the ‘ancient paths’ mentioned in Jer 6:16 are, those ‘tried-and-true’ paths which provide us with the right routes for our souls. Jesus told His disciples ‘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.’ (Matt 7:13-14) The best route is not necessarily the one which looks the most direct or easiest, but we need to understand the call to discipleship and to be lifelong pilgrims, people on a journey towards God, like Abraham. (see Heb 11:8).