The Way Forward

The other day I was refitting my SatNav in the van after a regular update.  It was refusing to stay stuck onto the windscreen, and in my impatience, I asked it, “do I really need you?” 

I’ve long since stopped relying on a box of maps, waiting for the opportunity to stop and have a look at one of them.  Instead I have a calm voice telling me regularly to ‘turn left,’ ‘take the second right,’ or ‘perform a U-turn when possible.’  From time to time I’ve noticed that there are both similarities and vast differences between this inanimate object and the Almighty.  Many preachers seem to realise these twin phenomena as they use two kinds of illustration in their sermons. There are those that say ‘God is like this’, and there are those that say ‘... but God’s not like that!’

Let’s consider first some of its God-like qualities.  SatNav can be trusted to get you there ... eventually.  I find I can’t always fathom out just what route it’s going to take, but it always works.  Meanwhile, I have free will: if I don’t like what’s on offer I can go my own sweet way confident that, if I get lost, there’s always SatNav’s way out of whatever pickle might result.  And whatever I might fear to the contrary, there’s no recrimination for disregarding the advice it gives.  The machine never takes umbrage, or gets angry at being ignored.  There’s just that same calm voice telling me the recommended adjustment to my course.

‘But God’s not like that.’  SatNav is powerless to create anything, or to perform any function at all, unless I first switch it on, and key in the required destination.  I can determine whether I am to be offered the fastest route, or the shortest distance, which can take up to twice the time.  I have no such power over my Lord! When I finally get to the end of my journey, it’s not unknown for SatNav to tell me, ‘destination on the right,’ when, after due investigation by torchlight, or interrogation of the neighbours, I discover that it’s actually on the other side of the road.  By contrast, whether I realize it or not, God is always right.

And another thing ... God’s batteries never run low!

I suppose it all boils down to one fundamental truth.  Nothing can completely, comprehensively, reproduce or replace our Wonderful Creator.  Little surprise, then, that the preacher uses both like and unlike to explain His nature, His power and His love. 

God or SatNav? I know which I’d rather have in a crisis – how about you?