Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series called “Letters from Grandpa.” Each entry is written by Cory Ishida, who was the senior pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley until his retirement. During the pandemic, he texted devotions to his grandchildren to encourage them while they were apart. We at the SOLA Network are honored to republish Pastor Cory’s devotions in hopes that they will be a blessing to the church.
Dear Grandchildren,
One of the programs that Gramma and I have enjoyed at the recommendation of our family is the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. We thoroughly enjoyed this futuristic space odyssey that’s based on the cowboy western genre.
This Star Wars derivative is set five years after the events shown in the Return of the Jedi, which took place in 9 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin) and 25 before 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which is set in 34 ABY.
In the third episode of the show’s first season, we were introduced to the Mandalorian creed, “This is the Way.” This is the code by which the Mandalorians live their lives. When one chooses to walk the way of the Mandalore, he or she is both hunter and prey.
In today’s world, everyone lives by a creed or code. Sometimes it is known and spoken, while other times, it is unknown and by default. For example, for many in our society, their creed is “Me First,” whether they know it or not. If they were like the Mandalorians, whenever they made a selfish decision, they would utter, “Me First” and everyone else of like mind would repeat, “Me First”.
As Christians, we are a people of The Way. In fact, in early Christendom, our faith was known as The Way (Acts 9:2, 19:2). This is based on the words of Jesus when He said, “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6).
Jesus is “The Way” to eternal life and abundant life here on earth. By accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, studying the Bible, and living it out, we become the people of The Way.
Perhaps the next time we make a decision based on our faith, we should pause and say, “This is the Way”. Everyone else can then chime in and say, “This is the Way”.
This phrase, “This is the Way,” also appears in the Old Testament. God tells His people through the prophet Isaiah:
“For, you people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will certainly be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. 20 Although the Lord has given you bread of deprivation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher, will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will see your Teacher. 21 Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:19-21)
God was telling His people to listen to and follow His Word for “This is the way, walk in it.” The same holds true today. We study God’s Word for it shows us the way and we walk in it. 1 John 2:6 says, “the one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked.” To remain or abide in Jesus means to obey His Word (John 15:1-11).
Thanks be to God that He has given us the means to abide in Christ through His Word; for indeed, this is the way, may we walk in it.
Love,
Grandpa
Editor’s Note: Read the first installment of “Letters from Grandpa.”