The Route to Life will Never Change

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NKJV

In a story titled “Historic route change marks 53rd Wharf to Wharf race as 16,000 runners navigate altered course” published over the weekend, it was reported that The 53rd annual Wharf to Wharf race went off without a hitch, bringing 16,000 runners and throngs of onlookers to the streets of Santa Cruz County, despite a last minute change to the course that moved the starting line from the Boardwalk to Portola Drive in Pleasure Point. Crowds descended on the village of Capitola to celebrate what has been described as the “best little road race in California.” The course may have changed but the small town vibes did not. Participants and organizers were very aware of the change but said it was not a problem. “Even though the course was different, people still showed up,” said Jamie Cline, a runner and employee at Brewtopia, who started her shift after finishing the race. “There were a lot of bands and good energy. It was a really great community thing.”

And, you know, as a longtime Race Director, I can attest to the need to make course changes. Several years ago, there was major flooding in my “neck of the woods” that happened less than 24 hours prior to start of the annual half marathon we put on for charity. The rains were so heavy, in fact, that the low water bridge at mile two of the 13.1 mile route was completely washed out. As you can imagine, I was thankful that we were able to quickly find an alternate course that worked well and the race went on.  

That experience made me even more thankful, though, that the way to heaven will never change. Jesus was crystal clear about that when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Notice that “I am” part? Just as Jesus has always existed, Jesus has never changed nor Has the Word. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Which means, Jesus was the way, is the way, and will always be the way to life everlasting. And ONLY those who choose follow Him (those who choose to enter by the narrow gate) and stay on course until the very end will reap the greatest reward that could ever be received… eternal life with Jesus Christ. 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV

So don’t be misled my friend. There is only ONE way to heaven and “there are few who find it.” Choose to be one of the few to follow the route that never changes and you will be rewarded in ways beyond comprehension. It will be difficult, that is certain, but it will be worth it in the end when you hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for making the route to heaven crystal clear and for making it just as clear that ONLY those who follow You will inherit eternal life. Help us to demolish the lies of the enemy that say otherwise and lead the lost to follow the broad way that leads to destruction. Give us a passion for sharing the Truth Lord that we might do our part in making heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!