Lead astray

Advent is a time of preparation. Sometimes we are not as prepared as we think we are. One afternoon my wife and I decided to go to Cumshewa Inlet on Haida Gwaii. We had been there before and enjoy the beauty of mountains and ocean. While driving on unmarked logging roads, we realized that what was once familiar no longer looked the same. We questioned whether we had been led astray by the crossroads and forks we had encountered. Eventually, the road we were on ended. We had to turn around and try to find our way home.

We knew where we wanted to go and felt secure in our knowledge of how to get there. But somehow, we were led astray by beautiful scenery and road choices. Even as the elect-those chosen by God to be the people of God-we are cautioned against being complacent. There are false messiahs and false prophets who will, if possible, lead us astray from Jesus the true Messiah. A proper map would have helped guide my wife and me to Cumshewa Inlet. Regular use of scripture and worship will help guide us in our faith journey.

Thank you, God, that you guide us where we need to go. Amen. — JW