Where Are You?

I have a friend who loves maps. She loves to unfold them, hold them in her hands, and study them... just because. Maybe you can relate. I can't. Even though I once worked as a cartographer, hand-inking topographic maps in the late '80's, it was nothing more to me than very detailed line work that sent me home every evening cross-eyed with pounding headaches.

Even so, if I become desperately confused (in an airport, for instance), I will occasionally swallow my pride, find a directional display, and locate the "you are here" big red X. I can usually navigate from there. Some people don't need maps. They have an internal compass and would never ever wander aimlessly in a grocery store parking lot searching for their car.

In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, we read about the first disorientation. Immediately after disobeying God, Adam and Eve recognized their nakedness and for the first time, felt shame. They then did what any of us would do. They hid themselves. Then God called out "Adam, where are you?" Wait. Did the omniscient, omni-present God not know where Adam and Eve were? Of course he did. God was giving Adam an opportunity to examine his actions and confess his sin. However, what took place was an episode of finger-pointing and blame-shifting (our tendency ever since). 

That pivotable point in history began with two unconditionally loved people who became lost in an instant. What a frightening experience! Yet many today are groping around in darkness with no idea whatsoever where they are going or the dangers that lie ahead. They are unaware that God is seeking them, desiring a restored relationship with them.

The same question is posed to each of us as we begin the new year: Where are you? Just as God knew where Adam was, He knows where you are... but do you?

The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the solid Rock and everything else is "sinking sand". 

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25-26).

Jesus is the only Way (not one of many), the only Truth (not one of many), and the only Life. (John 14:6).

If you have never confessed your sin and placed your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are lost. You can begin this year anew by asking for God's forgiveness and putting your life into His hands. Only the Light of the World can break through our darkness.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through HIm. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:16-18).