“You’re going the wrong way!” This was the unforgettable line a couple shouted to Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy) trying to get their attention in the movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. They were driving down the wrong way on the freeway ... but did not realize it! Del Griffith tells Neal, “How would they know where we’re going?” They both laugh it off and even make fun of the couple … until they see two trucks headed towards them.
In life, we can find ourselves in a similar situation. The wrong relationship will lead you down the wrong path. There may be people around you saying, “You are going the wrong way” and you dismiss them, thinking they do not know where you are going. You may even find yourself judging them. But the truth is, the wrong relationship with people can lead you down a path of pain, the wrong relationship with money can lead you down a road of misery, and the wrong relationship with status can lead you down a path of sorrow. That is why Jesus calls us to follow Him and to have a relationship with Him, because in following Him, we are protected. That is what a Shepherd does … he leads and protects. Psalm 23:3-4 tells us, “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” As we follow our Shepherd, others will follow too.
When we give permission to people who are not following Jesus to speak into our lives, we will find ourselves on the wrong path. We may do things we normally would not do or go places we would never have gone before. Our Shepherd wants us to listen to His voice and follow Him down the path He has created for us. It may be rough (John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”) and it may change in ways we would not have wanted, but we can be assured that He is right there beside us … leading and guiding us to something better than we could have ever imagined. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart; I have overcome the world.”
THIS WEEK: Reflect on your life and the path you are currently on. Are you able to hear the Shepherd’s voice? Spend time reading the Bible, praying and listening. Listen to His voice, follow His steps and trust His heart.
-Pastor Joe