SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1222

“Trail Markers”

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – John 8:12; Isaiah 30:21

I love being out in nature and hiking the trails in our state parks and national forests. Some trails are clearly marked while others leave you scratching your head wondering where the trail is and which way to go.

And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. – Matthew 4:25

I pondered following hiking trails as I read how the crowds followed Jesus. Some could see Him, and it was easy to follow the path He took. Others, much further back, followed those who were in front of them, trusting that they were not being led in the wrong direction.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men; My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – Matthew 4:19; John 10:27

Jesus calls us to follow Him. What path are we to take? What trail markers are left for us to follow? What voice do we listen to giving us directions? Unlike some of the ambiguous trail markers we may find in our forests, the path Jesus wants us to follow is clearly defined and guided by His Holy Spirit. We only have to read, listen, and obey.

“Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house. – Ezekiel 12:2

The Word of God reveals the trail markers for the path we are to follow. From the Scriptures that guided the Magi to seek out Jesus when He was born in Bethlehem through the Gospels that reveal the character of God through Jesus to the Epistles that guide us in the application of His Word, markers have been left that define the way we are to walk.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths; Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 25:4; 119:105

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent to be our guide.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26

Great people of faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have gone before us along the narrow path of Christ leaving trail markers for the generations that have come after them. Paul encouraged Timothy and others to follow the trail markers he left behind.

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 1:13

The Word of God tells us about many who led others astray from the narrow path of following Jesus.

Nadab the son of Jeroboam…did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin which he made Israel to sin. – 1 Kings 15:25-26

We too, our life walk, our character, our words, actions, and reactions provide trail markers that others follow. Are we leading them along the path of Christ or the path of sin, away from Christ? Are we leaving a clearly marked, level path or stumbling blocks for others?

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! …. My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths – Luke 17:1-2; Proverbs 1:15

May you see the trail markers that God has left for you along the path of life He has chosen for you.

I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. – Proverbs 4:11

May you hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you along that path.

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. – Proverbs 4:26

May you leave trail markers for those who come after you that lead them to Jesus.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. – Philippians 3:17