A couple of weeks ago, I got to teach some of our Scouts about land navigation or orienteering–things like how to use a compass and read a map, and use those tools to find one’s way across terrain. Another assistant scoutmaster set up a course for the girls to navigate down in Marian Bear Memorial Park, and she and I taught some basics and sent the girls (and their parents) to find their way.
As we set up the course, it was important for me to know that the girls would be staying on established trails. This is really important for the environment, but also it’s much harder to get lost–although not impossible–when one stays on the trail. We are lucky to have such a convenient park with easily navigable trails nearby!
In reading this week’s scripture, it occurs to me that as we believers are called to “prepare the way of the Lord,” maybe part of that is preparing the trail in both directions–for God to come to us and the world, and for others–and ourselves–to come to God. In lots of ways these paths are already built and only require maintenance, but in other instances we might be making entirely new paths. That’s advanced work and requires lots of knowledge and skill!
I’m hopeful and confident that we are building that knowledge and those skills as a community at LJUMC. The pandemic has certainly forced us into creativity and adaptation in many ways. How do you see us preparing the path for God’s arrival in Christ, and for us to approach God?
Mark 1:1-8
1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, 2 happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah:
Look, I am sending my messenger before you.
He will prepare your way,
3 a voice shouting in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way for the Lord;
make his paths straight.”
4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Consider these questions:
- Are there pathways toward God–spiritual practices, groups, or relationships–you used to find helpful, but need some rebuilding or rejuvenation? Are there “trailheads” or signposts that need restoration or updating? How could you go about this work?
- Are there new pathways toward God, or for God to come to you, that you could pioneer? What’s the first step?
- Are there new ideas or detours that could make these “trails” better / more useful / more meaningful / more life-giving? What do you need to build those?