Liz Eichler is a long term friend of WSBC and a staff member at Scripture Union New Zealand (SUNZ). This post is adapted from her sermon on 2 August 206. You can listen to it here.
Faith is not a straight road or a quick destination. Like Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail, it can be demanding, uncertain and beautifully worthwhile. At times the path is clearly marked; at others, we navigate rough terrain, carrying questions, doubts, hopes and disappointments. Yet we never walk alone. Jesus meets us on the road, often in unexpected places and through unexpected people.
Liz’s sermon offered three signposts for this journey: discover, follow and serve. We are invited to discover Jesus personally—not merely learn about him, but encounter his presence and bring our whole lives to him. We are called to follow Jesus for a lifetime, allowing faith to grow through both joy and struggle. And we are sent to serve, letting God’s transforming love overflow into our families, churches and communities.
The stories of Zacchaeus and the travellers on the road to Emmaus remind us that encounters with Jesus lead to change. Zacchaeus responded by making things right. The Emmaus disciples moved from despair to hope, from walking away to running back, and from confusion to renewed mission. Their hearts burned as Jesus walked beside them, opened the Scriptures and revealed himself in the breaking of bread.
Wherever we are on our journey, Jesus still walks with us. He listens to our sorrow, rekindles our faith, opens our eyes and sends us out with purpose. May we remain attentive to his presence, willing to discover, follow and serve—one faithful step at a time, with courage and compassion.
Reflec
Where might Jesus be inviting you to discover, follow or serve him more deeply in this season?