One day a young man driving along a lonely road in Alabama became lost for hours on an old dirt road, as he tried to make the journey from Montgomery to Selma. Daylight was fading fast, his cell phone could not pick up a signal tower and he was getting pretty darn low on gasoline. So when he came upon an old country store with tattered and weather beaten signs and a lone gasoline pump, he felt as if he’d died and gone on to heaven.
As he approached the store’s driveway his mind suddenly started too drift and he became filled with a sense of anxiety over the daunting prospect that the store was either closed or abandoned. What in heaven’s name would he do if this damn store was closed or the gas pump, which looked more beaten up than the store, didn’t work or have any gas?
Yet, when he parked the car at the gas pump and started toward the store’s door, he became pleasantly surprised when he saw a shadowy flicker of light coming from the windows at the front of the store. When he reached out for the door knob he found the door was locked, so he knocked on the door several times hoping someone would respond.
While raising his hand to knock on the door once more in a more forceful manner, a rather small and frail old man suddenly opened the door and greeted him by saying, “Come on in my friend, pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, have a seat and relax. Let's get to know each other.”
As soon as the young man entered the store he found himself taken slightly aback by the interior of this dilapidated old country store, since it bore absolutely no resemblance to what his mind had lead him to expect. The stores fixtures and furniture were old, but well maintained. The shelves were exceptionally well stocked with provisions you’d need for a journey and gospel music; featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama, played softly in the background.
When the man took his seat, he asked the old man in a rather brusque tone, if the gas pump in front of the store worked or had gasoline. The old man in a deep, but rather soft voice responded, “Well, yes and no son; yes and no!”
Now wait a minute…the younger man thought too himself! The pump either worked or it didn’t and gasoline was there or it was empty. Why was this old goat giving him a bunch of mumble jumble foolishness; he muttered under his breath?
The old man appeared too hide a slight smile, as he noted the seemingly perplexed expression on the younger mans face. When the old man spoke again he offered the young man yet another perplexing comment:
“We all travel the road of life together and we all share in the wonder and dread of what will become of us when death claims our last breath.” “We begin to wonder about death even more when thinking about this passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). “So my young friend, where do you plan on spending eternity?”
Not knowing how to respond to the old mans comments, the man yelled out, “Old man all I want and need right now is my gas tank filled with fuel, and I don’t want or need any of your spiritual bull crap! My life is going along fine I know where I’m going! I have a bright “six figure” future with a prestigious law firm, a loving family and even a dog that licks my hand! I’m doing just fine.”
The old man listened patiently to the young man’s angry outburst and then proceeded to offer one final comment:
“Son when you knocked on my door were you not lost on your journey?” “Wasn’t the vehicle you were using to transport you on your journey about to fail, as the gas tank quickly approached empty?” And didn’t you knock on my door for help, after your attempt to reach out for help and direction from others, ended in failure and disappointment?” Yes my child, when you reached my door you’d come to the realization that you could no longer rely solely upon yourself, your material things or even the people in your life?” And finally my son, the help you seek from ME is not gasoline for your car or direction for your trip through life…but rather you are seeking the "BREAD OF LIFE" for your eternal soul!”
The young man; not having a clue as to how he should respond, could only stumble and fumble over his words. He stumbled and fumbled with his words because he knew in his heart all that the old man had stated was TRUE!
My friends, I believe God’s word (as offered in the story about the young man and his journey) clearly provides four central points of faith that can and will guide each of us on our journey through life:
1. We cannot accumulate enough of the good stuff in life or even work our way toward Heaven.
“You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.” (Proverbs 16:9)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. God directs your life (If you’re open and willing to listen) and guides you on how to turn around when you're going the wrong way:
“If you wander off the road to the right or to the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, "Here is the road. Follow it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
“I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are my promises, and I will keep them without fail.” (Isaiah 42:16)
"... but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3)
3. God says there is only one way to Heaven:
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12)
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it" (Proverbs 16:25, Matthew 7:13-14)
4. God says the path too Him, is through Jesus the Christ:
“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:13-16)
Take the road to Heaven my brothers and sisters and avoid the road that will ultimately lead to the gates of hell. You can have eternal life and your sins forgiven by receiving Christ right now. Pray this prayer to God and invite Jesus Christ into your life, RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW:
"Lord I am a sinner and I need your precious gift of salvation. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and He rose again from the dead to give me eternal life. Lord Jesus, come into my heart; forgive my sins and be my Lord and Savior."
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