“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Prov. 14:12
One would think life on the banks of a rural river would be secluded and quiet. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I could watch and listen for hours and never be bored. Geese migrating back to their favoured home of summer, gather in flocks, thunder their wings, squawk and honk, then separate into pairs. Later the goslings follow, fluffs of yellow and brown arrayed in obedient lines. Golden eyes, mallards, mergansers all fulfilling their call to be fruitful and multiply do so before my very eyes. Beavers gnaw, harvest trees. A muskrat daily gathers a mouth full of fresh cut grass then swims across the bogan; lunch for her family. Swallows, sparrows, kingbirds, eagles, warblers, flycatchers sing a chorus so loud by times it’s hard to hear yourself think. Swooping, singing, zipping, diving, building, feeding. The river is never a dull place.
In these parts, when the summer heat arrives, the best place to be is on the river where the cool water refreshes even on the muggiest of days. Canoes, kayaks and inflatable tubes float past my house filled with adventurers seeking reprieve from the heat. Families with children splash and squeal in excitement; couples, quiet and relaxed, dip their feet over the boat’s edge to cool off as they soak up the sun and meander aimlessly, pulled along by the water’s flow. Group upon group, spread across the breadth of the river, drift along with the soothing gentle current of this clear lazy river.
As the sun sets in the evening sky, the crowds have long since left the river. Day time heat cools to comfortable levels and all is quiet—until a slight rhythmic sound breaks the stillness. Suddenly a narrow kayak appears, it’s nose peaking through branches obscuring my view. A lone paddler, in clear intentional command of his vessel, skirts the river’s far shore. With a force that causes him to bend at the waist he slices the water with his paddle, then strokes with a graceful strength thrusting the boat forward in a dutiful glide. The same motion is repeated again and again—bend, thrust, glide, bend, thrust, glide. Though the boat is propelled ahead only long enough for the kayaker to bring his paddle forward and cut the water again, he makes progress with each stroke. He travels up river, against the current. Without such intentional force he wouldn’t make progress.
Each night he does this. He told me once that he is training for a competition. Even when he makes his way back down river, his path is narrow, his effort intentional, no coasting. He could head out into the wide open waters in the middle, rest a while and let the river carry him back to his car. But he doesn’t. He stays on the narrow path, focused on the end goal—remaining strong and determined enough to persevere to the end; to win the competition.
Jesus’ words ring true in this scene that plays out daily before me each summer—words of warning to us all.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matt. 7:13-14 (NIV)
Things are not always as they seem. The easy way is not always the sure way. Though the way may seem right to our depraved heart, we must be cautious; it may very well lead to destruction. The gentle river, as life, moves ever forward toward its destination—bitter cold waters, the dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Ever swirling, churning, tossing, and swallowing. Mesmerized by tranquil waters, boaters feel safe in the upper currents of the river. Here they are merry, at ease. Not so will they be when they reach the billowing torrents of the mighty deep.
Scripture assures us that in this life there are only two roads. Every person is on one of them. While we have today, let us be sure we’re on the narrow road that leads to life. What shall we do? Dear reader, we must make our calling and election sure. And if we find ourselves on the broad road, we ought to humbly heed Jesus’ words, “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
We must know that as long as we have today, it is not too late, we are not too far.
“For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2
And the LORD, so gracious and full of mercy, promises elsewhere in his word:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13
Then what?
Hold steady, firm to the end, fight the good fight and strive to finish the race. It will be worth it one day. You’ll see.
Take Up and Read
Matthew 5-7
The Light for My Path 