We have one high school graduate. As a person graduates from one level to the next we often say these graduates are taking a new step in their life. It is so true that new adventures are opening up for each student. Some steps are bigger than others, but they are steps along the pathway of life.
The Bible talks of a pathway of life, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). The Bible tells us the help along this pathway, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). As our graduate take this next step, let us remind them that God will help them along this pathway, if they will look into His Word to find that help.
There is a song written by W. Elmo Mercer in 1953 entitled, “Each step I take.” The first verse says, “Each step I take my Savior goes before me, and with His loving hand He leads the way. And with each breath I whisper ‘I adore Thee;’ O, what joy to walk with Him each day.” The chorus says, “Each step I take I know that He will guide me; To higher ground He ever leads me on. Until someday the last step will be taken, Each step I take just leads me closer home.” The second verse reads, “At times I feel my faith begin to waver, When up ahead I see a chasm wide, It’s then I turn and look up to my Savior, I am strong when He is by my side.” The third verse states, “I trust in God, no matter come what may, For life eternal is in His hand, He holds the key that opens up the way, That will lead me to the promised land.” For our graduates of higher learning, let us hope that this song will be an encouragement to them as they began the next pathway along life’s journey. May they sing this song with the spirit and understanding also. For our other graduates let us teach them this song and the deep meaning that is contained within its sentiments.
To our graduate, congratulations, on this step along the pathway of life. May you remember where you started out and from where you have come. When the devil throws obstacles in your way to try and trip you up may you keep your eyes upon the goal. That goal may change as you journey down the pathway. Remember that heaven is our ultimate goal and that we are treading down this pathway of life to reach that goal. The Hebrew writer said it this way, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). We have the faithful watching us run the race of life. They are encouraging us upon this journey. Let us not disappoint them! We will see them in the by and by if we run with patience the race that is set before us.
We can have confidence while running down this pathway of life. Paul near the end of his life said, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Graduates keep the faith and keep coming to church.
Love, Keith
