This week, we welcome guest writer Brian Harriett, a lifelong member of Medford UMC, to share his reflections in a series called “Somewhere Down the Road,” about a disciple’s growth through the cycle of life.
14 But solid food is for the mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between good and evil.
1 So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. 2 Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.
3 Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you.
Reflection
Somewhere down the road - there’ll be answers to the questions, Somewhere down the road - though we cannot see it now, Somewhere down the road - you will find mighty arms reaching for you, And they will hold the answers at the end of the road. Yesterday I thought I’d seen it all. I thought I’d climbed the highest wall. Now I see the learning never ends. And all I know to do is keep on walking. Walking ‘round the bend, saying… -"Somewhere Down the Road," Amy Grant, 1997
Some of you may recall other musical lyrics that refer to uncertain futures as you travel through life, but know whom you will ultimately meet:
The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles, 1970
“The long and winding road, that leads to your door…will never disappear. I’ve seen that road before, it always leads me here…lead me to your door.”
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee – The Methodist Hymnal 1966, no. 170
“In hope that sends a shining ray, far down the future’s broadening way, in peace that only thou canst give, with thee, O Master, let me live.”
And then there’s one of Pastor Joe’s favorite old blues themes, revisited and relyricized by many, including Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen:
Further On (Up the Road) – Bruce Springsteen, 2002
“Further on up the road, further on up the road, where the way is dark and the night is cold, one sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know…and I’ll meet you further on up the road.”
For Pondering & Prayer
When you pause to remember people you’ve loved and who have gone on to glory, with whom would you most like to be reunited?
Prayer: Whenever God speaks to me, I have a choice. Lord, help me to walk with you and toward you, never forgetting YOUR ultimate victory! Amen!
By Brian Harriett
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