What is a spiritual journey like?
At times such a journey can be a bit scary because we cannot see what lies on the road ahead. Sometimes we feel discouraged because others appear to be making more progress than us. The spiritual journey takes us on a road full of potholes, bumps, dips, curves and dangerous intersections. The journey takes us up hills, down into valleys and into deserts. At times we feel like a strong wind is pushing us backwards. Whenever we try to climb a hill, we slip and slide down. There are times during the spiritual journey when we take a wrong turn, and when we do either we discover a dead-end or we discover that we are back to where we began.
To aid us on our journey, we have a map to show us which way to go, but at times the map is not easy to understand. We ask for help from other travelers, but they argue about the proper way to interpret the map. We are invited to join one of the many caravans that are making the same journey. A part of us wants to join a caravan, knowing that it is easier to travel with a group. Yet, a part of us is afraid that we will not be accepted by the caravan.
Thankfully, we have assistance available to us if we place our trust in Jesus, the only perfect traveler, who has already made the journey. He has promised to send his helper to aid us if we will trust in him alone for a successful completion of our journey. The helper has the initials H.S. Our helper guides us through the difficult places, but he never forces us to do as he says. Whenever we fall down, H.S. helps us back up. Whenever we take a wrong turn, H.S. points us in the correct direction. H.S. encourages us to stay on the journey when we feel like quitting.
Regardless of who we are, those of us who take the spiritual journey do so in hope of reaching God's throne where we will find eternal rest and security. Not everyone agrees on which route to take. Many people use different maps. Some travelers appear to be richer and more comfortable. Some travelers lead large groups of followers.
In the end, all roads lead to a great chasm with an infinite width and an infinite depth. On the other side of the chasm is God's throne. Time and time again travelers try to build bridges across the chasm, using their own good works as building materials. Yet each time a traveler does so, the person's bridge ends up too short, and the traveler falls into the chasm.
As we watch other travelers fall, we feel doomed. Is there any hope at all for us? Yes, there is hope. During our journey we met other travelers who told us of a bridge that reaches completely across the chasm. Only one such bridge exists, and if we choose to use the bridge, we cannot take any luggage with us. This "no luggage" rule prompts many travelers to attempt to build their own bridges.
As we stare across the chasm, our luggage feels heavy, and soon we begin to wonder if we really need the luggage. The only real bridge available to us is within sight. As we approach the bridge, our ears pick up sweet-sounding music that draws us nearer.
When we finally reach the bridge, we notice that the bridge is built out of blood - not just any blood, but that of God-incarnate, who stands at the bridge's entrance. When we approach, we hear God-incarnate say, "Come to me all of you who are weary and have heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." When we are close enough to see the face of God-incarnate, we see that it is Jesus.
When Jesus sees us, he says, "Come. In my Father's house are many rooms, and I have prepared a place for you. The weddng feast is ready, and you are invited to join it. You cannot reach my Father by any other way because I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No person comes to the Father except throughme."
Such is the journey of spiritual pilgrims. We can remain on this side of the bridge, or we can cross the bridge by giving our lives to Jesus. Which side of the bridge will your journey end at?