The Milepost

The Milepost. “Since 1949, the bible of North Country travel!”

When we started planning an RV trip in Alaska, I knew this was a must-have.  As we prepared to leave, I packed it somewhere easily accessible.  During the drive from Anchorage to Valdez, I thought of it and knew it would have useful information.  I pulled it out, and spent some time reading it.  I flipped back and forth through the pages that offered a mile-by-mile commentary on the highway we were traveling.  I looked ahead to see where we were going.  I wowed my poor husband with many facts, but I found some great places to stop that we might have passed by otherwise.  We knew where we could get gas and learned about some history along the way.  I would put it away for a bit, but not too much time passed before I was wanting to consult it again.  

As I thought about how useful this book was, I agreed with the comparison to the Bible, but I was glad they used a lower case b for their “bible,” because without a doubt, the capital B Bible outshines The Milepost.

Like The Milepost, the Bible is relevant and useful for those of us traveling through life.  Once introduced to it, it is clear that it is a must-have, something to keep easily accessible.  

The longest psalm, Psalm 119, is all about God’s Word and how valuable it is.  Verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”  The ultimate guidebook!

I have been reading the Bible ever since I learned to read, and I can attest to its relevance.  Sometimes, like The Milepost, it has taken some studying and time to understand how it is laid out and to be better able to see how it applies to the travels of the day.  Definitely, like The Milepost, it has helped me see where I was going and helped me not to miss important moments.  It has alerted me to possible dangers, and like the psalmist I can say, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:11

Better than The Milepost, which gives info about where you can get fuel, the Bible itself is the fuel!  

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.”  Jeremiah 15:16.

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’” Matthew 4:4

The Milepost is updated yearly, so it does not give out-of-date information.  The Bible is timeless.

“Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” Psalms‬ ‭119:89‬ ‭

Like The Milepost, the Bible is best shared with others – our best journeys are in community.

While The Milepost only applies to those traveling in Alaska and the North Country, the Bible applies to all of mankind.  

One of the most amazing things about the Bible is that it is more than a book, it is the living Word of God.  

“For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

I have a friend who has been struggling.  She is using God’s Word to fill her mind with truth when her thoughts would lead her down paths of anxiety and sorrow.  She has read the whole Bible already this year and now has started on a chronological Bible reading plan!  

Another friend told me about a girl she knew that was feeling unsure about her relationship with God.  My friend challenged her to read the Bible if she wanted to hear from God, and they started reading through the Psalms together, one Psalm each day.  Before they had made it to Psalm 23, the girl was sharing that she was connecting with God in a new way!  

Let me encourage you, wherever you may be traveling this summer, don’t forget your guidebook.  Keep it easily accessible and consult it often.  Don’t miss the things God wants to show you.  Don’t get caught in traps you could have avoided.  Don’t run out of energy or stop making progress to your destination.  Encourage the people traveling with you to read the guidebook for themselves, and share what you learn!  

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  Psalm 25:5-6

God, thanks for giving us a guidebook for life.  Help us to see its value and consult it daily.  Open our eyes to the truth and help You have placed there for us.  Give us courage to follow You and courage to share Your Word with those around us.  Thank you for vacation and all the reminders of Your love.  

-Leah