As rudimentary as the process may seem, we have tried to be wise and considerate with the process of naming this new outpost for Christ. As I wrote before, you suddenly become aware of all the various shades and meanings of words and their juxtaposition with others.We hope to have this nailed down and approved by the Covenant in the next couple of weeks.
Having the name and the core values agreed upon will allow us to do so much more in attracting additional help to our launch team.The discussions among our team have ranged across the possibilities, and the concepts of “journey” “progress” and “road” kept cropping up.
So we started visiting various scriptures and fairly quickly we realized how often “roads, ways, and streets” were mentioned in various contexts and meanings. In addition, both journeys and progress are made on roads; and these same scriptures emphasize movement, journey, progress, and action.
Following are a few of the Roads we found in scripture. We are certain we can help each other find even more examples.
The Wilderness Road: The Road of Seeking & Salvation Acts 8: 26-36 tells the story of Phillip meeting the Ethiopian eunuch on the road and leading him to Jesus.
The Damascus Road: The Road of Confrontation Acts 9:1-8 & 27 tells the story of Paul being confronted on the road by Christ and called to a new life.
The Samaritan Road: The Road of Mercy Luke 10:30-37 Jesus tells the story of the man being beaten and left for dead on the road until the Samaritan comes and put mercy into action by caring for him.
The Prodigal Road: The Road of Reconciliation & Restoration of Dignity Luke 15:11-32 Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son and how his father ran to meet him when he was still far down the road from home and restored him to his family.
The Jericho Road: The Road of Healing Mark 10:46-52; Matthew 20: 29-34; Luke 18:35-43 all tell the story of Jesus healing Blind Bartemaeus on the road to Jericho
The Emmaus Road: The Road of Understanding Luke 14:13-35 Luke recounts the story of the disciples coming to understand that Jesus was truly the Christ when he encountered them on the road to Emmaus.
The Jerusalem Road: The Road of Celebration Mark 11:1-10; Matthew 21:1-9;Luke 19:28-40 tell the story of Jesus triumphal entry on the road into Jerusalem
The Road to God: The Road of Decision John 14:6-7 Jesus proclaims himself to be the only road to the Father
The Road of Hope: The Street of Gold Revelation 21 describes the main street of heaven appearing to be paved with pure gold.
Everyone in life is traveling their own road. Every Road has its shares of joy, sorrow, pain, happiness, and despair. Life’s Journey has the potential for decision and growth. The Way requires decision and choice. The Path provides opportunities for healing and restoration. The Journey ultimately leads to a confrontation with the Word, the Creator, the Christ. Ultimately, no one can approach the Father except through Jesus Christ – The New Road.
A general theme seems to be emerging…
1 response so far ↓
sisterone // January 13, 2008 at 2:04 pm |
I like all the roads. It’s nice to think of being part of the body of Christ without having to have, you know, ARRIVED first.
Brenda