God Speaking

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.”

(Galatians 1: 3 – 5)

I live in a very beautiful city in B.C, Canada. It borders on the Pacific Ocean, but the backdrop is spectacular mountains which are covered in snow in the winter. The attractions of these mountains are endless, in the winter the snow attracts thousands to have the thrills of skiing with breath taking views of the sea and harbour. In the summer endless trails meander through heavily wooded areas with equally beautiful views of giant trees and perhaps a black bear or two.

Despite all the beauty, the mountains can be dangerous places for those who are not prepared. Skiing accidents can happen and, in the summer, unless hikers are well prepared and stay on the marked trails, falls into gullies can end up with broken bones and being hard to find. Many years ago, group of volunteers set up an organization called Nth Shore Search and Rescue which has now grown into powerful teams set up with trained people and helicopters.

I was thinking about this when I read the verse from Galatians, Jesus is our Search and Rescue source.  God promised from the beginning that he would rescue his people, and we read this promise through the prophet, Ezekiel.

“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says; I my self will search for my sheep and look after them.” (Ezekiel 34: 11)

Unfortunately, many rescues on our mountains are necessary because those looking for adventure ignore the warnings posted at the beginning of the trails. Safe trails are marked, but foolish ones decide to try out of bound areas and end up lost or injured and if it is getting dark forced to stay over night, even in the summer over night temperatures drop and if the climbers have not brought proper clothing they are in more danger, rescue teams need to put themselves in danger to rescue them.

Life is often referred to as the path we walk on and many times we read in God’s word that we need to choose the path that is chosen by the Lord.

“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.” (Psalm 27: 11)

It is very easy in our lives to ignore wise decisions and to be led astray by false ideas and ignoring the danger of listening to what the world is shouting at us to do, and not taking heed of the wisdom pf our loving Father and always seeking his advice, before we do anything without his blessing.

When we remember what happens to the foolish hikers that desperately need to be rescued because they chose the wring path, we can remember these words.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16: 11)