The Last Mile…

…Of The Way

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1Cor 9:24)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Heb 12:1)

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This song, written in 1908, and sung in the video below by the late great Sam Cooke, reminds me of “the walk” of the narrow way, especially when considering that the following verses are not included in Sam Cooke’s rendition:

Here the dearest of ties we must sever, (Ps 38:11, 88:18; Prov 18:1; Matt 10:37; Luke 14:26)
Tears of sorrow are seen every day; (2 Cor 7:10; Jas 4:9)
But no sickness, no sighing forever, (Rev 21:4)
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way. (Ps 119:30; Matt 7:14; Luke 21:36)

And if here I have earnestly striven, (Ps 119:4; Luke 13:24; 2Tim 2:15; Heb 11:6)
And have tried all His will to obey, (Deut 13:4; Eccl 12:13; Matt 7:13, 28:19-20; Acts 5:29)
’Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven, (Mark 9:1; 1 Pet 1:7-9)
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way. (Ps 119:30; Matt 7:14; Luke 21:36)

For me, these verses speak to the struggle and the search required to find our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This song and its performance also reminds me of my childhood back in Oakland, California; when I would walk to the store from Mama’s house, where there was a big old Baptist church on the corner.

I was so curious about all the people inside singing loudly and praising the Lord; always seeming to have so much enthusiasm and vigor.

This was unlike the Catholic church Daddy took me to when I was really young; back then they didn’t even hold the “Mass” in English! How did they ever expect anyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus? I’m not even sure if they were speaking about the Lord at all.

Of course nowadays I know better. No need to go off on that rant here. Any way you look at it, most all of those people were walking down the broad way, regardless of the “church” they attended…but the Lord warned us that this is how it would be.

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Lyrics

If I walk in the pathway of duty
If I work ’til the close of the day, Lord
I shall see the great King in all his beauty
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, Lord, yes sir

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, oh yeah
I shall rest at the close of day
For I know there is joy awaiting
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way

If I were, for Christ to proclaim the glad story, oh Lord
If I see for his sheep who’ve gone astray, oh Lord
I am sure he will show me in his glory
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, Lord, yes sir

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, oh yes
I shall rest at the close of day, oh yeah
For I know, there is joy awaiting
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way

Written by Johnson Oatman, Jr.   

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Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1Pet 1:13)

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For a most-helpful guide (pdf) to the narrow way and authentic salvation—by a man who walked it to the end—click here: BeSureYouAreSaved.com