I had the opportunity to travel deep into Lookout Mountain, Georgia. There I stood in awe of Ruby Falls. After I descended 260 feet deep into the ground by elevator, I then followed a path deep into the mountain to enjoy the splendor of this underground waterfall. Millions have enjoyed this tourism spectacle. However it was found by accident.
On December 28, 1928, Leo Lambert and a team of workers were working along railroad developers to reopen a cave that had been explored for generations. It was an accident by a jackhammer worker that discovered a void in the rock and felt a gush of air. This discovery led to an exploration of narrow passageways and underground springs to finally find the waterfall that he finally named after his wife, Ruby.
I remember walking the smooth trail and seeing the markers to the side of the very narrow rock passages that were the original route. These pioneers and trailblazers had the courage to enter an unknown world and discovered beauty. The trail they blazed has been a source of pleasure for millions.
What does this have to do with anything? Trailblazers take varying shapes and sizes. It may be Steve Jobs who blazed a trail for handheld technology. Henry Ford who blazed a trail for the assembly line. Rosa Parks who blazed a trail for civil rights. We could go on and on with a list over a mile long.
Did you know that Jesus is called a “Trailblazer” in Hebrews 2:10. Some translations read as “founder” or “captain”. The Greek word, literally translated, is “trailblazer”. On this rescue mission designed by God, Jesus willingly humbled Himself and took on flesh.
For Him to blaze the trail for us to follow, He endured suffering that was numerous, unparalleled, and divinely appointed. His suffering was required for justification to be made. His blood was required for the Law to be fulfilled. His humiliation was necessary and established a model for us to follow.
By faith in Him, we can now approach the throne of God with confidence and covered by His mercy. He truly prepared the way for us, and now we are commissioned to prepare the way for Him. He will soon return, and as His children, we are commanded to make disciples.
As part of His family, we can humbly follow His example and carry hope to the world as everyday missionaries. In your home, your work, and your play; commit today to declare His greatness in the hope that others will see their need for Him and commit to walk the trail with you that Jesus has blazed.