Review of “The Map”
Prior to my read, I was not familiar with the author, David Murrow, and after doing some research, found that he is an advisor to Sarah Palin which I found quite interesting!
The Map is mainly split into two sections. The first reads like an Indiana Jones thriller, with Murrow the first person story teller, as he is thrust into an adventurous hunt for a map supposedly handled by the disciple Matthew.
After his search, the author switches gears and then gets into dissecting this map, again which is based on the book of Matthew. In it, we see that Jesus walked three distinct journeys in His life, and Matthew is the only gospel that talks about these journeys. As Christian men, the only way we will find true completion in our walk with Christ, is to travel these same three journeys. In sequential order they are as follows: submission, strength and sacrifice.
Many men only ever experience one or two of them, and very few travel all three. As a basis for this map, and the explanation of it, we are given Matthew 7:13-14 as a reference.
Jesus speaking said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Murrow goes on to explain that the journey of submission comes as we first find Christ, and begin our walk with Him. This generally is a short journey, as is the last portion, which is sacrifice. That comes in the later stages of our life. The problem he points out in churches today, is that we tend to neglect the journey of strength. In the book of Matthew, Christ’s journey of strength occupies majority of the book, chapters 8-25! In the same vein, the strength portion of our journey will also encompass much of our lives. Many pastors, evangelists, and authors spend so much time talking about the “feminine” side of Christianity, that they completely miss out on equipping believers with the strength that we are promised.
Matthew 10:34, Jesus speaking says, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
….and later in 11:12, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.”
Does this sound like the Jesus that is preached about in congregations on Sunday morning?!
Without overlooking or lessening the journeys of submission and sacrifice, I was struck with the empowerment of strength the Lord wishes us to have. When we realize what power we have been given as sons of the Kingdom, we will bring about the change to the world around us and Christ will be glorified!!
