One Way

As I write it’s Wednesday afternoon, I’m looking forward to this evening’s prayer meeting in the Church building. I’ve watched John’s video several times and I think I’m as prepared as I can be, but it will still be strange; no handshakes, just hand gel, not to mention social distancing and facemasks. Maybe most unusual is the one way system. We like the freedom to choose our own way, but for now at least, this will no longer be an option.
Of course people want to believe that they can choose their own way to God, or indeed to believe that all roads lead to God. Like climbing a mountain- there are many paths, but all lead to the same summit. To suggest there is only one way seems ignorant or even arrogant. If people sincerely believe in Islam or Hinduism or just believe in themselves then what right does anyone have to suggest that this isn’t enough?
Surely those who hold to other religious views, or to no religious views must be included?
I understand the appeal. I have people I love deeply walking in their own way. Maybe you do to. But we must be honest. Jesus makes clear that we either embrace him or we reject him. We are for him or against him. He leaves us no fence on which to sit.
‘Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.’
Matthew 12:30
This is the same Jesus who said:
‘I am the way the truth and the life.’
John 14:6
Not a way, but the way. This should not surprise us. If Jesus is God made man, come to live the perfect life we have failed to live in our place and to die on the cross for our sins, of course he is the only way! What other way could there be? What is the alternative? That we make ourselves good enough for God? How demeaning to Him who is holy! He is the God before whom the heavenly host bow and cry:
‘Holy holy holy, is the LORD almighty,
Isaiah 6:3
The whole earth is full of his glory!’
Who of us could stand boldly before this God when we take just a moment to look honestly at ourselves? Jesus Christ offers the grace of God, to reject him, is to reject that grace. It is to throw aside the offer of forgiveness and to cling to a pride that leads not to God, but to death.
There is one way to God, and that Way is called Jesus. We must turn to him and trust in him assured he will lead us to the Father. Our reaction to this should not be an angry “just one way?” rather we should be amazed and humbled there is a way to find forgiveness and life eternal, there is a way to God. How thankful we should be for Him.
Thou art the Way: to thee alone
from sin and death we flee;
and he who would the Father seek,
must seek him, Lord, by thee.
Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life:
grant us that Way to know,
that Truth to keep, that Life to win,
whose joys eternal flow.
Amen.