Highway of Holiness – 1 John 3:3
And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Joy awaits us at the end of our journey along the Highway of Holiness, the journey traveled by the one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, whose soul pants for the Lord, and whose hope is set on God.[1] The highway along which the sojourner treads is paved with the blood of Jesus Christ, which He poured upon it for all people.[2] It leads those who will turn away from sin to follow the Lord, who will deny themselves while taking up their crosses daily,[3] ever closer to the goal of reflecting Christ’s likeness.
The Lord has reserved this roadway for those who have been born into new life through Him, those who having resolved to abide in Him step off the broad and wide road leading to destruction to journey through the narrow gate opening into the kingdom of God.[4] The trip to their destination is long, and, at times, these travelers must trek through the desert and the mountains, so none can travel far along this highway heavy-laden with possessions and selfish desires. Its travelers must be willing to shed the world’s trappings with eyes set toward the heavens, for only those who, through the grace of God, have the faith and humility of a little child[5] and the sure-footedness of a deer can cross its rugged terrain and climb its steep paths.[6]
Christian, stay on the highway. Seeker, step onto it. Be brave and courageous, for you need not make this journey alone. Jesus has gone ahead to prepare the way for you.[7] He has promised He will always be with you, providing for all your needs according to His riches in glory.[8] He will faithfully give you sustenance each day through the living waters of His indwelling Spirit and the bread of life, His Holy Scriptures.
Walk, steadfast and undaunted,
along the Highway of Holiness, and allow the Spirit of the living God to
transform you into the image of Christ and to make you pure and holy in the
sight of God. Trust in the Lord, joyfully
anticipating the day He has preordained when you will reach the end of your
travels to enter into the land where God walks among His people, and you will
see Him face to face in all of His majesty and glory.[9]
[1] Matthew 5:6, Psalm 42:1, Psalm 146:5
[2] 1 Timothy 2:6
[3] Luke 9:23
[4] 1 John 3:4-10, Matthew 7:13-14
[5] Matthew 18:3-4
[6] Habakkuk 3:19
[7] 1 Peter 2:21
[8] Matthew 28:20
[9] Revelation 21:3
