Traveling Through Time and Spirit: How Transportation Shapes Spiritual Journeys
Advent devotions: How many professions do you find represented in the Christmas story? We find seven, and as a gift to you this advent, we have made a devotion about each one of them. This is the fifth day focussing on transportation.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
Luke 2:4 (NIV)
The journey that Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem was a long and arduous one. They had to travel approximately 90 miles within four days, maintaining an average pace of 2.5 miles per hour for roughly eight hours per day. Despite their challenges, they made it to their destination, where they welcomed the birth of Jesus. The shepherds who visited them would have travelled from the fields outside Bethlehem, which were likely not too far away. However, they, too, had to make a journey, and it is believed that they may have travelled a distance of several miles. On the other hand, the wise men embarked on a lengthy journey to follow the star that would lead them to the King. The distance they travelled is estimated to be around 800 miles, and it is believed that they may have travelled on camels or horses. Their journey was long and perilous, but they were determined to reach their destination and offer gifts to the new King. Despite these individuals' challenges during their journeys, they were all driven by a deep sense of faith and purpose.
During a 15-hour drive from Cape Town to Pretoria, a young mother of a newborn heard that her husband had an affair and realised her marriage was over. She was devastated but had nowhere to go, and the only thing that she could do was pray while she worked through her emotions. Two years later, she embarked on the same journey from Pretoria to Cape Town as a single mom but much stronger in her faith. Although a harrowing journey, it began a spiritual journey to get to know God better. This mom and daughter found their destiny on this journey.
Today, we are fortunate to have various transportation options that make our journeys easier and more comfortable. We have various modes of transportation available to us, such as cars, trains, planes, and boats, that allow us to reach our destinations quickly and efficiently. However, we often overlook the significance of transportation in our journeys to meet Jesus, unless we are trying to establish common ground with non-believers who are also on their journey to meet Christ.
Similarly, a mother shared that she enjoyed driving her teenagers and their friends around, even if they often didn't talk to her during the car rides. She believed that by consistently being present, she could catch glimpses of their conversations and offer words of wisdom that would guide them towards thinking about God and their faith in Him.
In conversation with a flight attendant who frequently serves on international flights, the flight attendant mentioned that she enjoys being assigned to unaccompanied minors. Many children travel alone to visit their family members in other countries, and some of them can be scared, especially if it is their first flight. These kids often do not know what to expect on the other side and may not have seen the people they are going to in a long time.
Although she is not allowed to pray with them publicly, she does so as she serves them. She feels that for the duration of the flight, she takes on the role of friend, helper, and everything the minor needs on the flight. She often knows what someone needs before they even ask. Sometimes a friendly smile or a treat can be the answer, provided before someone wants to cry. She also finds that this approach works equally well for the adults she serves.
Transportation has shaped our spiritual journey over the years through some incredibly interesting conversations and profound moments during our trips. We often strike up conversations with the drivers and flight attendants, even gas station attendants. Their responses reveal their level of faith in God. Serving the King of Kings is an exciting experience that cannot be contained. Believers are always eager to testify at every opportunity, and for those who do not yet believe, you might be their only point of connection that day. So, don't miss the opportunity to make an impact.
Read some of our other stories on how God arranged some unusual meetings while travelling
https://tentinternational.org/tent-blog/meetings-organized-by-god-1
https://tentinternational.org/tent-blog/meetings-organized-by-god-2
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for every journey that shapes our faith. Just as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and wise men faced challenges to reach their divine destinations, grant us strength and faith in our daily journeys. Bless drivers, crews, and all who cross our paths; may we be a source of light and inspiration. In our physical and spiritual travels, guide us, empowering us to impact lives as living witnesses of Your love. Amen.
Interesting fact: historians are uncertain about the exact duration of the wise men's journey before they presented their gifts. Some believe it took 40 days, while others speculate that it could have taken almost two years)