The rock face was sheer. I knew I had a good hand hold but was not sure if I could reach the next ledge. Breathing heavily, I looked down. It must be 60 feet to the valley floor and without ropes I had no choice it was either up or down.
Almost gripping the face with my knees, I reached for the slight out cropping above me. It seemed to be just out of my reach, inches then fractions, finally my fingers grabbed, I crept upward. Within fifteen minutes I was at the top, now over 100 feet up. I sat on the mesa surface. Free climbing up had been my goal and now I had to decide if I would repel down or risk reversing my path down the face without the safety of my ropes.
My safety partner was down below and called up, “How are you doing? That looked like a rough climb, I think you better use the ropes.” Sitting there I could see the Tetons in the distance, the air was fresh and crisp on this October morning. I knew that I should listen to what Ted was saying, the muscles in my legs and arms agreed with him also. “Why risk it?” I mumbled. But still risk was what this was all about, wasn’t it? I threw my pack with the ropes and gear down to my partner below. Sliding over the side I started my descent.
Risk. A life in the balance. Sometimes we call people who do these kind of things, daredevils. An interesting term don’t you think? As far as I can determine online, it comes from the idea of someone who dares the devil. Roots of it goes as far back as the early 1700’s or farther.
But think of this. What if the life we are living every day is riskier than we may realize. Maybe every one of us are daring the devil to take from us the one thing he does not want us to have, eternal life. We might not even see it. It all looks so good to us that we are blinded to the danger. We seem to be walking a broad, well-lit road.
But Jesus tells that this is just the time when we need to be the wariest. His road map takes us where our human nature tells us there will be danger. He said this, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) A narrow gate and path, isn’t that where danger will lie?
I sure thought so when I lived by the worlds rules. I mean, what could be wrong with the path I was walking. Yeah, it was safe and there seemed to be no risks involved and a whole lot of people were walking there with me. Wasn’t I safe?
To answer this, all I really need to do is look at all the victims of pain and suffering that are strewn along that path. When I was walking it, I did not see because I kept all my focus right where Satan wanted it, on me. I hate to admit this, but I was safe because I was willing to add the destruction that litters that broad path, as long I took care of number one. So many hurt in my wake yet I felt safe. But the truth is I never was safe. It was like hanging on that shear face without a rope or lifeline. I did not know Jesus Christ, I was living the life of a daredevil in the truest sense of the word.
The amazing thing is when I did accept Jesus, I found the narrow path He speaks of is wider and straighter than any we find on Satan’s map. No, it does not mean there are no bumps or curves and yes it does mean I need to face and repent of my life before. But the destination is always clear and the map book we have is full of instructions on how to keep on the road, we call it the Bible and it guarantees, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) To top it off we are never alone, “…for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6b) The one who saved us walks with us every step of the way. How cool is that!
By God’s grace I made it down that shear face without falling. I had risked it all and I became known as a daredevil. How little did I know at the time that the real risks I was taking was living life without the Savior as my safe partner. I ask today are you a daredevil? Do you feel you’re on a wide road but are alone or think you are hanging on with slipping fingers? Call on the one who is waiting at the gate just for you. He has a road map for your life and a rope for you to grab a hold of. Thank you, Jesus!
Blessings John
8/23/17