The Blessing of the Long Route

When I’m going on a road trip, I put my destination into Google Maps.  Google Maps spits out multiple options to reach my destination.  Sometimes, the shortest route is not the route I choose.  To some people that seems weird.  But Google Maps has a feature that allows you to eliminate routes that have a toll road.  I make sure that feature is on because I want to avoid tolls if at all possible.  What happens when the quickest way to your destination is not the way that God directs you to go?  My Pastor tackled “The Blessing of the Long Route” in his sermon on Sunday, and it blessed my soul.  I’m hoping it blesses yours too.  Let’s get to it.

Sunday’s sermon came from Luke 9:51-56.  Jesus has his face set toward Jerusalem.  He had a sure destination in mind.  The quickest way to get to Jerusalem required Jesus and the disciples to go through Samaria.  Well, the Samaritans wanted no parts of Jesus and His crew.  They weren’t welcome there.

Jesus had some real riders in His crew.  When the disciples James and John saw that they weren’t welcome, they pitched a fit.  They were ready to unleash fire from heaven.  They wanted to set it off.  Jesus rebuked these two disciples and chose the long route.

Jesus could have gotten distracted by the rejection that arose in Samaria.  He knows who He is.  Fully God.  Fully Man.  He has a team of angels ready to right wrongs at His Word.  But unlike so many of us, Jesus doesn’t get distracted.  Samaria is not His destination.  He has a mission.  He has purpose.

But why would my Lord and Savior choose to go the long route?  I already told ya’ll that I’m trying to maximize my time.  I have a full life so I’m constantly organizing and prioritizing to make things flow.  The more I can get done, the better.  Or is that better?

Because in today’s message, Jesus took the long route.  Jesus was certainly in a time press.  He knew that His ministry would impact the world for eternity.  If anyone had a reason to cut through or weave through traffic, it was Jesus.  His face was set toward Jerusalem and yet He took the long route.  That means that long routes have purpose.

I’ve made some huge missteps in my life.  I think of all the time that I’ve wasted, and I get discouraged.  But I can’t discount my journey.  My biggest disappointments and setbacks have taught me so much.  Today’s sermon reaffirmed that long routes can develop character that will equip you to be the person that God wants you to be.

As Pastor stated, God provides strength for whatever your route may be.  Whether your route is long or short, God will be with you every step of the way.  Set your face on your destination.  Be mindful of the purpose that God has placed inside of you and daily take steps toward your expected end.  If you get a little off course, the Holy Spirit will be your Google Maps and get you back in line. #wepreach