Way (Dictionary): A thoroughfare for travel or transportation from place to place, a course of action, took the easy way out, opportunity, capability, or fact of doing as one pleases (always manages to get her own way prepare, make ready.
Way (Bible): In every way, entirely, everywhere, lead, show the way; met, unfold, narrate, declare, persecute, press hard.
People who are very determined to get their way may be loud, angry, confrontational and even rude. At their core they are afraid their needs won’t be met. They feel the only way to accomplish their way is to force everyone around them to comply to their wishes.
The word “way” has many meanings and uses. One use is shown in the expression” it’s my way or the highway.” People who micromanage usually see this usage as a method to get their way or to see their needs are met. In Jesus time the priests used the Law to enforce their agenda and get their way.
Jesus was often surrounded by educated people who wanted their way- and only their way-to be followed. In every sense, it was their way or the highway. But in the midst of the Rulers hidden agendas and stubbornness, Jesus made it clear that He had a way and that, in fact, His was the only way:
John 14:1-6: “1Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (NASB)
Today many people still feel they can force change to suit their agendas. Frank Sinatra had a well-known song called “My Way” that reflected these agendas. A few verses are given below
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve traveled each and every highway
But more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes, it was my way
As we read the above lyrics we see it is about someone who is near the end of their life or their career. There is no glory given to the Lord nor is there praise and thanksgiving! The song writer only sees the power of the flesh and pride. Jesus chose the path that His Father had set:
Matthew 6:6-13: 6But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and yor Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
9 “Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
As Christians, we see that the way Jesus took was to do the will of His Father. We need to do the same! If we call upon the Lord to direct our way in this world we will be greatly blessed. The world has their ways to accomplish their plans. But we do not need to create our own way or demand “my way” be followed. God is already at work in our lives! What we need to do is come along side of Him and join in His way and then see what our way will become! All of our agendas should be given over to the Lord who will guide us. We will soon see that striving is a waste of time. Let’s be a witness to others that true power is from God!
Luke 12:32: 32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” (TLB)
