You may not be old enough to remember the band Supertramp. If you are, welcome to my world. If not, well, I’ll just say they were a very popular group in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their most popular album, recorded on a big black disc of vinyl, before that became retro, was called “Breakfast in America.” On this album was a catchy, and very popular, song called “Take the Long Way Home.” (1)
Interestingly enough, I was reminded of this song when reading about the Israelites journey after God caused Pharaoh to release them from Egypt (see Exo 13). Roger Hodgson, who wrote “Take the Long Way Home,” said:
“Take the long way home” is a metaphor for the universal journey of self-discovery. The song is a vehicle for reflection in which the, sometimes disappointing, realities in our grown-up lives can reflect in a not so positive way on the hopeful idealism of our youth… A lot of my songs have multi-levels and the deeper meaning to this song is about taking the long way home to our true home, that place of real connection inside our heart.” (2)
Sorry for the long quote, but Hodgson, while a bit wordy, may have something there. While I don’t think he understood the spiritual significance of his words, most of us understand that our life journey is not a direct one. We zigzag through life, sometimes going places and experiencing things, both good and often difficult, that we don’t expect. Facing things that we don’t want to, or wouldn’t choose to face. Life is not a straight line. We “Take the Long Way Home.”
For the believer, this “long way home” is more than just a journey of self-discovery. Our path is, whether we realize it or not, directed by God. More than that, every twist and turn is used for our good. The “good” may be to keep us from harm, to grow us and mature us, or simply to help us to learn to trust God.
This was certainly the case for the Israelites. As I mentioned before, something interesting happened when God brought them out of Egypt. We read, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt’” (Exo 13:17). God led them by the “long way home.”
Why would He do that? The answer: For their good. God knew that they were not prepared to face the Philistines. So, He took them the long way around. There is no indication that the people knew what God was doing. If they did, they may have resisted. They may have said, “Why are we going this way?” “The other way is much shorter.” And so it is with us, isn’t it? We think we know the better way but we don’t. God does.
It has taken me a lot of years to realize that every path I am on is either directly placed there by God or, at the least, the circumstances which I encounter are used by God for my good. Sure, I still question and struggle from time to time. “Why this way God?” “Isn’t there a shorter, easier, path?” When will I fully and completely trust that God knows what is best for me? It seems this is one of the main points, whether we see it in the moment, see it when we look back, or never see it at all, we must learn to trust that God is doing what is best.
The Israelites were not ready to face the Philistines. And worse than the possibility of defeat, perhaps even death, at the hands of the Philistines was that “If they face(d) war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” There is simply nothing worse for us then to go back to where we were before. To turn away from God and return to captivity makes no sense. Still, it is the tendency of our hearts to return to old ways rather than to trust God. So, He brings us along slowly: “The long way home.”
One of my favorite passages is in Hebrews. If you’ve read much of what I’ve written you’ve probably seen me quote it before. It says:
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb 13:5b-6)
In these encouraging words, the author of Hebrews quotes from the Old Testament. Originally, these were reassuring words to the Israelites, but here the writer uses them in a completely different context. They comfort the believer in the New Testament church. The point is, these are promises we can depend on in every circumstances. God says “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” And we can say “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” no matter where we are in life. Whatever we face. Whatever road we are on. We can depend on the fact that God is with us and will help us.
When we don’t know where we’re going or what’s in store for us. And, yes, even when the path is very difficult. He says “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Even when He takes us “the long way home” we can say “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”
(1) Supertramp (1979). Take the Long Way Home. Breakfast In America. A&M.
(2) Hodgson, Roger (20 March 2023). “Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson: the 10 best songs I’ve written”. Louder Sound.com, March 21, 2023.
David Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” is a conversational approach to helping people answer questions about Jesus. The book provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. To read more of David’s writing visit his Newsletter.
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