"Staying On the Rails"

 

“Staying On the Rails”

 

Over the past several months the news has been filled with reports of train derailments across our nation, the most serious of which was in East Palestine, OH causing the release of harmful chemicals. As I listened to and read of these incidents my mind went back some 40 years when we were serving in New York’s southern tier. About 6:00 one morning we heard a loud noise, the ground shook and our power went out. The reason: a train had gone off the tracks a couple of blocks away. In my curiosity (read nosiness) I quickly got dressed and headed to the site. On the way I met up with the town’s funeral director so the first ones on the scene were the preacher and undertaker! (Thankfully neither of our services were needed.) As with most such happenings it took several days for the town and railroad to get back to normal.

When a train derails some cars and their cargo are destroyed. Others, however, are repaired and resume their life on the rails. But in the process there are delays and impact on people and commerce, showing that such circumstances can have far-reaching effects.

Sometimes we as God’s people get “off the rails” of God’s commands and desires for us, leading to troubles in our lives (“…the way of the unfaithful is hard.”—Proverbs 13:15) as well as those around us (“…a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”—1 Corinthians 5:6). But as we get back on the rails of God’s Word our positive influence can be restored. Remember John Mark? He bailed on his first ministry effort (Acts 13:13) which prompted a rift between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41) but Paul later described him as “…helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11). So God is not only our Savior but Restorer.

As rails keep trains going to their intended destination Scripture keeps us on the right path (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”—Psalm 119:105). A line in a chorus from yesteryear says, “The road may be long but my Savior is strong!” And we can be sure of His promise: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go….” (Genesis 28:15). So let’s remember His command in Isaiah 30:21 (modified to fit the theme of these thoughts): “These are God’s rails; stay on them.”

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan