The huge baobab tree still stands strong beside the road to my
grandmother's village. It has been an amazing landmark all these years.
There are no road signs, traffic lights, or street names on the way to
my village back in Africa. Instead, we rely on landmarks like trees,
rocks, or streams for directions to our village. Over the years, some of
these landmarks have disappeared or been transformed, while others have
remained.
One cold winter afternoon, a friend of ours lost his
way on a country highway and stopped to ask a store owner for
directions. He was surprised to hear no mention of street names.
Instead, the store owner gave directions using landmarks, and
surprisingly, our friend did make it safely to his destination without
any problems.
In life, we all use the landmarks of familiar
objects, memories, and traditions to provide a sense of comfort.
Landmarks provide us with peace of mind when they aid and guide us
through life.
In ancient Biblical times, God's people used rocks
as permanent reminders of their encounter and covenant with Him. Abraham
built altars to honour God; Jacob set up his stone pillow at Bethel,
"the house of God"; and Moses piled up rocks to remind people of God's
deliverance at the Jordan River.
Our life is supposed to be a
journey of discovery on God's road. The Bible contains landmarks that
act as a framework for how followers of Jesus are to conduct themselves
and persevere in the ways that are established and true.
The
Bible serves as the map that shows us the directions, paths, and
landmarks which God has pointed out to us. It contains the commands and
promises of God that explain how to stay on the path of righteousness.
It also has the good news of forgiveness that shows us how to find our
way again if we become lost.
We need to acknowledge and observe
the spiritual landmarks that God has given us. When we decide to
disregard these landmarks, there can only be confusion and anxiety.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my
path." (Psalm 119:105 NRSV)
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and
the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
(John 14:6 NRSV)
"So then, brothers and sisters, stand
firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either
by word of mouth or by our letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15 NRSV)
Prayer: Merciful Lord,
grant us wisdom and grace to recognize the true landmarks that You have
established for us. In a world full of confusion, information overload,
and temptation, may we find comfort in Your Word. Thank You for Your
sacrifice to save us, and by Your Holy Spirit, bring us back into the
fold. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Margaret Zondo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to
PresbyCan Daily Devotional
