The Traveller Who Wouldn't Turn Back
In a distant land, there lived a traveller named Elias. Known for his determination and courage, Elias had journeyed far and wide, exploring new lands and discovering hidden treasures. But there was one journey that would test him in ways he never expected.
Elias had heard of a city of gold, nestled in the heart of a vast and treacherous wilderness. Many had sought the city, but none had returned. Undeterred by the stories of danger, Elias set out with confidence, believing his experience would guide him.
At the start of his journey, Elias came to a crossroads. To his left was a well-worn path, smooth and familiar, leading into a dense forest. To his right was a narrow, rocky trail that ascended sharply into the mountains. The golden city was said to lie beyond the mountains, but the forest path seemed easier and more inviting. Trusting his instincts, Elias chose the forest path.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and the light dimmed. The path that had seemed so clear at first began to twist and turn. Soon, Elias found himself struggling through thick underbrush, his way forward obscured by shadows. Yet he pressed on, convinced that the city must lie just beyond the next bend.
Days passed, and the forest grew darker. The path became less defined, merging with animal trails and dead ends. Elias began to feel a gnawing doubt, but he shook it off, too proud to consider turning back. He was sure he could find his way if he just kept moving forward.
One evening, as the sun set behind the towering trees, Elias encountered an old hermit sitting by a small fire. The hermit, seeing the weariness in Elias’ eyes, offered him food and shelter for the night. Grateful but anxious, Elias accepted.
As they sat by the fire, the hermit spoke: "You’ve come a long way, traveller, but this path you’re on leads deeper into the wilderness, not to the city of gold. Many before you have passed this way, and none have found what they sought. The city lies in the mountains, on the path you chose to avoid. You must turn back and take the right path."
Elias listened, but his pride bristled. "I’ve come too far to turn back now," he replied. "I’ll find my way through this forest. I can’t waste time retracing my steps."
The hermit looked at Elias with a knowing sadness. "The time you think you’ll save by pressing on will only lead to more loss. The further you go, the harder it will be to find your way back. Sometimes, the bravest thing to do is to turn around."
Elias lay awake that night, the hermit’s words echoing in his mind. But when morning came, his stubbornness prevailed. He thanked the hermit and continued on his way, determined to prove that he could forge his own path.
As the days turned into weeks, Elias’ journey became a nightmare. The forest closed in around him, the undergrowth thick and unforgiving. His supplies dwindled, and his strength waned. The golden city seemed further away than ever, and yet he couldn’t bring himself to turn back. His pride had chained him to a path of his own making.
Finally, weak and exhausted, Elias stumbled upon a clearing where the forest ended abruptly at the edge of a steep cliff. Below, he saw the remains of shattered wagons and broken tools—the remnants of those who had also refused to turn back. Despair washed over him as he realised the truth: he had been heading in the wrong direction all along, and now there was no way forward.
In that moment of despair, Elias remembered the hermit’s words. His only hope lay in retracing his steps. With what little strength he had left, Elias turned around and began the long journey back. The path was even harder now, for he was weakened by his stubbornness and weariness. But each step in the right direction brought a glimmer of hope.
After what felt like an eternity, Elias emerged from the forest, battered but alive. He found the crossroads once more, where the path to the mountains still beckoned. This time, with humility and determination, Elias chose the narrow, rocky trail.
The ascent was difficult, but the higher he climbed, the clearer the air became. The shadows of the forest fell away, replaced by the bright light of day. And there, at the summit, he saw it—the city of gold, gleaming in the distance, more beautiful than he had ever imagined.
Elias fell to his knees, overcome with gratitude. He realised that the journey wasn’t just about reaching the city; it was about learning to trust the right path, to recognise when he was lost, and to have the courage to turn around.
We just heard the story of Elias, a traveller who ventured deep into a forest, convinced that his path would lead him to a city of gold. His journey was marked by stubbornness, pride, and a refusal to turn back—even when it was clear he was lost. It wasn’t until Elias hit rock bottom that he realised the importance of turning around. Only then did he find the true path that led him to the golden city.
Elias’ story is a powerful illustration of the spiritual journey we all face. At times, we find ourselves on paths that seem promising but ultimately lead us away from God’s purpose for our lives. Jesus’ teachings, especially in the passage from Matthew 4:12 to 5:12, call us to recognise when we are lost and to have the courage to turn around.
The Call to Repentance:
Jesus began His public ministry with a simple yet profound message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). The word “repent” literally means to turn around, to change direction. Just as Elias needed to turn back from the wrong path to find the right one, Jesus calls us to turn away from the paths of sin, pride, and self-reliance.
In the parable, Elias’ refusal to turn back led him deeper into the wilderness, where he grew weaker and more lost. Likewise, when we persist on paths that lead away from God, we become more entangled in sin and despair. But Jesus offers us a way out—a chance to turn around and start anew.
This call to repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our mistakes; it’s about making a deliberate decision to change our direction. It’s about acknowledging that the path we’ve been on isn’t leading us to life, and choosing instead to follow Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
The Consequences of Staying Stuck
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks about the difference between worldly sorrow and godly repentance. Worldly sorrow might make us feel bad about our mistakes, but it doesn’t lead to change. Godly repentance, on the other hand, brings about true transformation and life (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
Elias’ journey shows us the consequences of staying stuck on the wrong path. His pride kept him from turning back, leading him deeper into danger. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations—stubbornly clinging to our own ways, even when we know they’re leading us nowhere?
Paul’s words remind us that repentance isn’t just about regret; it’s about a complete turnaround. Are there areas in our lives where we’re stuck, where we’ve been too stubborn to admit we’re wrong? Jesus calls us to let go of that pride, to humble ourselves, and to turn back to Him. It’s never too late to change direction and find the life that God intends for us.
The Courage to Leave Behind
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, they were fishing with their father, doing what they had always done. But when Jesus said, “Follow me,” they immediately left their nets—and their father—to follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22). This was a radical decision, a turning point that required them to leave behind everything they knew.
In the parable, Elias had to leave behind his old path, even though it was the one he was familiar with. It took courage for him to turn around and start over. Similarly, following Jesus often means leaving behind what is familiar, comfortable, or even cherished. It might mean giving up habits, relationships, or ways of thinking that are holding us back.
What is Jesus calling you to leave behind today? What is stopping you from fully following Him? Like Peter and Andrew, we’re called to trust that what lies ahead with Jesus is far greater than anything we leave behind. The journey may be challenging, but it leads to a life that is richer, fuller, and more meaningful.
The Healing Power of Turning to Jesus
As Jesus travelled throughout Galilee, He healed every disease and sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23). This healing wasn’t just physical; it was a sign of the deeper restoration that Jesus brings to all who turn to Him.
Elias, once he turned back, began to regain hope and strength as he made his way toward the right path. In the same way, when we turn to Jesus, He begins the work of healing in our lives. This healing might be physical, but it is often spiritual and emotional, restoring the broken parts of our hearts and lives.
Do you have areas of your life that need healing? Perhaps it’s a deep wound from the past, a persistent sin, or a broken relationship. Jesus invites you to turn to Him, to allow Him to heal you. He is the Great Physician, and nothing is beyond His power to restore.
The Beatitudes
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, blessings for those who turn their lives in a new direction (Matthew 5:3-12). Each beatitude is a promise of God’s favour to those who recognise their need for Him and are willing to turn to Him.
Elias’ journey to the golden city wasn’t just about finding a destination; it was about discovering what truly mattered—humility, trust, and the willingness to change. In the Beatitudes, Jesus blesses those who are “poor in spirit,” who “mourn,” and who are “persecuted” for righteousness’ sake. These are the people who have turned away from self-reliance and pride and have turned to God in their need.
As we consider the Beatitudes, we see that turning around is not just a call to repentance but a call to blessing. When we turn to God, we find comfort, mercy, and the promise of His kingdom. It’s a journey that may begin with humility and even sorrow, but it ends in joy and fulfilment.
Embrace the New Direction
Elias’ story is a reminder that no matter how far we’ve gone down the wrong path, it’s never too late to turn around. Jesus’ call to repentance is an invitation to leave behind what is holding us back and to step into the abundant life He offers.
This week, I encourage you to reflect on the paths you’re walking. Are there areas where you need to turn around, where you need to make a change? Jesus is waiting with open arms, ready to guide you to the life you were meant to live.
Remember, turning around isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of wisdom and strength. It’s the first step on a journey that leads to true freedom, healing, and blessing. So take that step today, and see where Jesus will lead you. The journey may be difficult, but the destination is worth it. The golden city, the kingdom of heaven, is closer than you think.
