The way ahead is clear

I PREFER to do it properly,’ the man said. He was talking about a car journey, and wanted to chart his way on a map before he set off. For many people the days of map-reading are over. They prefer to rely on satellite navigation systems to find their way.

SatnavSome manufacturers are making the satnav experience fun by having the voices of Homer Simpson, John Cleese and Sean Connery tell drivers to turn left, to bear right and that they have reached their destination.

But I wonder whether we ought to rely entirely on technology. If you only listen to the ‘voice’ giving you directions, you may not take notice of your route so that you can find your own way another time. Added to that is the possibility of the machine’s malfunction.

The Daily Mirror reported the story of one pensioner who, twice in three days, was taken the wrong way to hospital because the ambulance crew relied on their satnav. On both occasions what should have been a 20-minute journey took more than twice as long, once because the satnav sent the crew in the wrong direction, and the second time because it sent them down country lanes rather than the motorway.

When we are following directions we want to be confident that we are being sent the right way.

Jesus told his disciples that he was the one to follow. He said: ‘I am the way’ (John 14:6 New Inter­national Version).

The disciples had followed him for three years, and then he shared with them where he was going: ‘In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you’ (14:2). Thomas, one of his disciples, asked for clarification. Jesus replied: ‘No one comes to the Father except through me’ (14:6).

Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God has caused much debate over the years. But millions of people have found it to be true. With one sentence Jesus takes away any idea that there are many ways to God.

Jesus’ death – the sinless for the sinful – is the reason why he is the way. It is through Jesus’ dying on the cross and his resurrection that the way to God is opened.

We do not have to be lost, even if we have taken a wrong turn in life. Jesus offers to accompany us to our destination.

TSA UK