Theme: ABIDING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH
With obvious certainties characterizing this age of perils, it is becoming more evident that without God, man is finished! True to the proclamation of the voice in heaven as reported in Revelation 12:12, the woes of man keep increasing, living standards deteriorating and the milk of compassion in some, rapidly depleting, causing violence and other forms of inhuman treatment in our world today. Our confidence however, centers on the assurance from our Saviour, Jesus Christ, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.
In Biblical context, the expressions, “secret place”, “stronghold”, “mountain”, “tabernacle”, “hill”, “cities of refuge”, “house of the Lord”, “strong tower”, etc, are descriptions for God’s Organization in any part of the world. It is only in the way of truth, God’s Kingdom Organization, that mankind shall attain relative peace now, and perfect peace in the third world, the world without end, by God’s grace.
Text: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” – Isaiah 35:8
Comment: It is a requirement for all who desire to escape the pollutions of this sin-ridden world to identify with the God of truth by associating themselves with His Kingdom Organizations, the only assured path that leads to eternal life. This way of truth and holiness is designated a “highway” because it is under strict regulation, the Almighty God being a God of judgment, (Deuteronomy 32:4); discipline (Job 36:10-12) and orderliness – 1 Corinthians 14:33,40.
The above peculiarities of the “narrow way” contradict the chaos, ungodliness, falsehood, and sundry evils found in the broadway, which promises nothing other than destruction. (Matthew 7:13) Because it is a way of holiness, the practice of righteousness is non-negotiable. It is a path that is hostile and vehemently repulsive to godlessness, such that, only persons who consider the pleasures of sin insignificant compared to the joy that lies ahead, will be able to scale through successfully, God helping them. They are termed “wayfaring men” for the fact that they consider themselves to be on transit, and so they thrive to “lay aside every weight” i.e. distractions like the cares of this world, so that they may be able to run with convenience, focus, and commitment as to win the prize at the end by God’s grace. – Hebrews 12:1,2; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.