“And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amonites, saying, Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into thy fields, or unto the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along the king’s highway, until we be past thy borders.” Numbers 21:21-22
Israel’s journey to the Promised Land was anything but easy and smooth. It seemed that the very direction God was leading them was the hardest, fraught with desert dangers and enemy after enemy to deal with. However, through every mile there was a way. God not only knew the route but made it Himself. He knew what He was doing, even though at times Israel didn’t. Here is a real-world illustration of our life experience of following the Lord. Doesn’t it seem that as you try your best to live right, another enemy keeps getting in your way? Well, that’s the way it is in this world, but regardless of how “in the way” our enemies get, don’t panic or despair. God has already made a way. It is a sure and better way. It is a way clear and safely through. It is the King’s Highway. Observe.
The route was known to Moses. It was called the “King’s Highway.” Our road system is completely identified with both numbers and names. Our church is on Grubmore Road. And everyone knows well the diversities of our road, with all its curves, narrowness, and potholes! Of all roads in Amon, none was better than the King’s Highway. It was well planned. It was kept well cleared. It was well marked. It was well built with the best materials. It was well maintained so that the king would not feel a bump as he travelled. It was well directed reaching from one border straight to the other. It was the best and fastest course for Israel’s necessary journey through Amon. Moses wished no trouble or to be any trouble. He just wanted to lead his people through. They would not detour and get lost. They would not disturb the Amonites apart from their visibility as God’s People passing through onto something better. They would not slow down, saunter around, or delay. They would not partake or steal from the Amonite’s field crops or vineyards. And finally, they would not be intimidated should Sihon attempt to turn them back, capture or destroy them. He underscored the fact: they were only passing through.
What a picture of you and me. We have no choice but to make our way to heaven on a daily route that passes directly through the midst of the worst of surroundings. We are given a passable road ahead. It is a mistake to think we can slow down, take a break, and exit off to go exploring around. Those vineyards, wells, and fields of sin may seem mighty appealing, but it only appears so. Those things don’t belong to you anymore. You have better things. Amon is not your home; you are just passing through. The King’s Highway was built by King Jesus himself, by his life’s blood on Calvary. He’s paced every step and knows what lies just off to the wayside. He has finished it at the Gate to the City of God. You have no business straying from his path. All you ever need is in your spiritual luggage or is provided for you as you need it along the way. The enemy tries hard enough to stop you already. Don’t make it easier on him by slipping off.
Sihon refused, attempted to stop them, and to capture and make slaves of them, but they remained steadfast on the Highway. From there they began defending themselves, and defense turned into an offense, smiting the Amorites with the edge of the sword. When our enemies set upon us, return the fight with the edges of our two-edged sword, the Word of God. As it brought quickly a full victory, the Bible will do so for us. In doing so, it will give us a chance to rest up for a while and move onward toward the Blessed Destination.
Are you still on the King’s Highway? Are you being challenged off it? Pull out your sword; use it. Rest a bit from the battle, then pick up and keep going.
Soon we will be home.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 