July 4, 2018
Currently, there are 4.12 million miles of road in the United States, according to the Federal Highway Administration, including Alaska and Hawaii. The state with the most miles of road is Texas with 675,580 miles of road. Using a combination of these roads, a person can travel to almost any point in the U.S., but not all of these 4.12 million miles of road lead to the same destination.
In Roman times it is estimated that well over 50,000 miles of hard-surfaced roads connected cities, major towns, and military bases. The roads provided efficient means for the overland movement of armies, officials, and civilians, and the inland commerce trade goods. In ancient times it was said that “All roads lead to Rome.”
Today, Christians know all roads lead not to Rome, but to Jericho. Spiritually, there are four roads:
- The Road to Jerusalem or the “Road of Salvation” where we experience a rebirth.
- The Road to Emmaus or the “Road of Revelation” where God reveals Himself to us.
- The Road to Damascus or the “Road of Designation” where God gives us a mission.
- The Road to Jericho—the “Road of Participation” where our faith is tested. Somewhere on the road, Jesus asks the traveler, “Who is your neighbor?” Our answer and reaction to His command, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” determine whether we hear, “Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter into my rest.”
Characteristics of the Four Roads:
- Each road requires movement toward the destination.
- Each road has obstacles to overcome.
- Each road is walked in sequence. No road is walked before the road before it.
- Each road has its reward.
- Each road brings you closer to a walk with God.
- The Road to Jerusalem or the ROAD TO SALVATION
People must first successfully navigate the Road to Jerusalem before they venture forth to journey the other three roads. The Road to Jerusalem connects the world with the cross and the empty tomb.
Every person travels the Road to Jerusalem. Some out of curiosity, some to scoff and mock, others to be a part of the on-looking crowd and yet others walk the road and realize—like the second thief of the cross, the third man being crucified, the man in the middle, is an innocent and righteous man, a man whose impending death was a sacrificial death.
Successful travelers on the Road to Jerusalem make the connection between the cross and the empty tomb. The Road to Jerusalem focuses on the death (Good Friday) and resurrection (Sunday) of Jesus. People must decide, is Jesus Christ who He claimed to be or is He an imposter. People may choose to be defiant, indifferent or acceptant of Jesus. For those who travel the Road to Jerusalem and decide not to go further, the only road left for them is the Road to Hell.
The traveler who has a consciousness of genuine guilt, confesses their sins and invites Jesus into their life the road leads past the empty tomb and to the next road— The Road to Emmaus.