On Monday, we went hiking up Bell’s Canyon to see a beautiful waterfall. I was reminded of Hebrews 4 where the author tells us to labor that we might enter into the rest, however there will be some who fall short of it. Why would this hike remind me of this Scripture? As Bonnie and I strapped on the two boys on to our backs and started up the first hill, we thought, “Whew, this is kinda steep.” But that levelled off and we began to feel at ease, but prior to reaching the end of our destination-the promised beautiful waterfall which neither of us had seen-the climb became excessively steep. Scrambling up the rocky path with branches in the face, biting bugs, and backpacks loaded with our kids provided us with two options, we could turn back and go back down, after all, we had already seen some beautiful landscape and had some laughs; but the promise of the cascading H2O kept us going. And then it almost caught us by surprise, there we were looking up at one of the coolest waterfalls I had ever seen. It didn’t matter that I was getting soaked by the mist as the water tumbled down about 60 feet pummeling the rocks below. We had made it! And so in Hebrews, the author tells us that we have already entered into that rest, but labor that you might enter in. I affirm salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, but at the same time, there are many who begin down the path of faith, but never reach the promise because of unbelief. We could have turned back; we could have been satisfied with the beautiful landscapes around us, but it was the belief in the promise of the reward that kept us on the path. So many professing Christians merely dabble with Christ instead of surrendering their lives to him, but true faith follows Christ up the steep paths because the eyes are fixed on the author and finisher of our faith.
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I feel your pain. Actually I probably feel more. You young people are in better shape. Yesterday we took Shirley’s sister and her family from PA down to Glenwood Canyon to make the hike up to Hanging Lake. Shirley and I last hiked that 30 years ago the summer we were engaged. After yesterday, I am sure they made that hike longer and steeper since 1978. But we made it. Again. It is 1.2 miles and over 1,000 feet up in elevation. But what a view when you reach the lake. I’ll post some pictures on the blog site soon. As I look back now, I am convinced that when it comes to hiking and spiritual growth, there is a principle that applies to both. That is that it is better and wiser to keep moving slowly than it is keep stopping and taking breaks. (Wasn’t there a story like that with a turtle and a rabbit) You arrive at your destination sooner, and there is not the temptation to stay put and wait for the group as they come back down. It can be so hard to get restarted after stopping. Spiritually, we need to keep striving and moving forward, even if it seems the progress is slow. Stopping can be a dangerous thing.
Maybe we can meet in the canyon sometime. I can show you where the trail starts. We will see you when get back down. Actually, I told Shirley we would do it again in another 30 years.
Tim