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Sermon: Journey, Struggle, and the Beauty of Eternity

Introduction: Life is a journey—a path of trials, choices, and ultimate fulfillment. The song before us speaks to the heart of Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives, and the enduring truth of Scripture. It touches on the essence of free will, the beauty of creation, and the hope that lies beyond our earthly existence. Let us delve into the themes this song presents, considering its message through the lens of our faith and the principles that guide us.

Travel Long; Travel Hard: The Journey of Life The opening lines remind us of the long, arduous journey we all face. As Christians, we are called to navigate this world, not as passive travelers but as active participants in God’s plan. “Do not be afraid of judgment day for it will not be the end” echoes the scriptural assurance found in John 11:25-26, where Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

In our libertarian perspective, we recognize the importance of individual liberty and responsibility. Each step we take, every choice we make, is a testament to our God-given freedom. But with this freedom comes the responsibility to seek truth, to live justly, and to trust in God’s ultimate judgment, knowing that it is not the end but the beginning of something far greater.

Struggling to Find Beauty: The Human Condition The song speaks of a struggle to find what is beautiful—a struggle that is all too familiar in the human experience. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” Yet, the pursuit of beauty and meaning often feels like a battle against the wind, as the song describes. We carry the scent of our past, the memories that shape us, and the experiences that challenge us. But we are also given the choice to carry on, to leave the past behind, and to embrace the strength that lies in our future.

This is where modern human perspectives intersect with our faith. In a world that often emphasizes the here and now, the fleeting pleasures, and the temporal achievements, we must remember that true beauty and fulfillment are found in the eternal. Our struggles are not in vain; they are part of God’s refining process, leading us to the ultimate beauty found in Him.

Breaking Away from the World: The Illusion of Isolation The song suggests finding a place deep in the woods to settle down, a place to break away from the world—a notion that resonates with the desire many of us have to escape the chaos and find peace. But it also reminds us that we cannot make it out alone. This world, with all its beauty and brokenness, has a way of keeping our hearts bound.

Christian Libertarian Ideology teaches us the value of community, the importance of supporting one another in our pursuit of freedom and truth. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Isolation may seem like a solution, but it is in our relationships, our communities, and our collective faith that we find the strength to carry on.

Eternity is Beautiful: The Final Revelation The song concludes with a powerful image of leaving the earth behind and embracing the beauty of eternity. This is the hope we hold as Christians—that despite the trials, the struggles, and the losses we endure, we are not bound by this world. Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

As we navigate the complexities of life, we must keep our eyes fixed on eternity, where true beauty lies. The song captures this beautifully, reminding us that while life is fleeting, eternity with God is everlasting.

Conclusion: The journey is long, the struggle is real, and the beauty of eternity awaits us. Let us take heart, knowing that our freedom in Christ empowers us to navigate this world with hope, courage, and a steadfast belief in the beauty that lies beyond. As we travel, let us not be afraid of judgment day, for it is not the end, but the glorious beginning of our eternal life with God.

Lyrics:

Travel long; travel hard; get caught in the wind

Do not be afraid of judgment day for it will not be the end

But will you find yourself tied to the ground

Reaching up to the sky with floating all around?

And as you find your purpose… will you save it?

From each step a scent is left

It takes you back to a place that once took your breath

But we are all given a choice to carry on

To leave the past in the past, your future’s what is strong

And inch-by-inch you will struggle

To find what is beautiful

Then go and find a place deep in the woods to settle down

You can break away from the world

It is perfect, safe and sound

But you alone cannot make it out

Out of this world that has kept your heart abound

And as you take your last breath you will see what is beautiful

And now he is gone; there is no way he is turning back

Into a bird or butterfly to fight against the wind

To be alone there is a timely cost

Your life will be gone and attached will be a feeling of great loss

But now the earth does not bind you

Eternity is beautiful!

As Always. God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson