Lessons From The Yellow Brick Road

Like the Scare Crow, so many today look for a sense of completeness in knowledge, in wisdom. Scripture responds in 1 Corinthians, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 1 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

While it is true that God’s Word challenges us to live not as unwise but as wise, it is imperative that we realize were wisdom is found. The Scare Crow was convinced that the all powerful Oz could provide him with a brain. It was his dream. We find in Job 12:13

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” Colossians 2 informs us that “in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

The Tin Man believed that the answer to the void in his life was the ability to feel emotion. But for the Christian, we know that true heart goes beyond mere emotionalism

Matt 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Rom 10:10

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

For the Cowardly Lion, he hoped that the road to Oz would be the path to courage. We Know Christ have come to discover that courage itself in not a source of joy, courage is a direct result of a trusting in God’s promises:

1 Cor 16:13-14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Josh 1:6-7

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous

Dorothy simply wanted to get back home… and the great news is this We have a home, we are to live our lives here as strangers: 1 Peter 2:11 - Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world; 1 Peter 1:17 – Live your lives as strangers.

The Scare Crow with his companions were in pursuit of a dream, much like so many in our society are in pursuit of what is often called the American dream, but what I am convinced is more adequately described as the American Mirage.

Though their expressed desires were different all were in pursuit of a common result, they were looking for that thing they believed would fill the void or respond to the deficiency in their life. They perceived a lack, and that everything would be complete if they could just attain this one thing. You remember it don’t you… the scarecrow’s song: “If I only had a brain.”

Society today is on a quest much like those on the road to Oz. The American dream, birthed in the rugged individualism of the early pioneers has found its greatest energy at the dawn of the electronic age. And modern media has served to embed the image of the American dream deep into today’s culture. There is a significant shift in our values and the meaning of the word necessity has been rewritten. (Perceived vs. Actual needs)

The result of our passionate pursuit of the American Dream is a people that have been transformed into a nation of consumers and the American Dream threatens to consume us!