This idiom dates back to 1950 in a jingle for Firestone Tires, wherever wheels are rolling / No matter what the load / The name that’s known is Firestone / where the rubber meets the road! In 1975, a European newspaper wrote; the church has to move out where the rubber meets the road. It has become a common expression meaning the point at which a plan, an intent, or a belief is put to a practical test. Long before rubber tires, the impulsive and overconfident Apostle Peter provided a dramatic picture of this concept. Jesus told His disciples “You will all fall away because of Me this night (Mat 26:31). Peter boldly declared, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away” (v33). But when the rubber met the road, and his declaration was tested—Peter failed. And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man” (v72).
It’s easier for me to write and for you to read these lessons every week than to live them out. We can leave church excited from a sermon telling ourselves, “I know I will be victorious this week and not fail God.” Yet, on Monday we put the rubber back on the road of practical reality. It’s not as straightforward as we assumed in the worshipful atmosphere of a service. Believers can attend Bible classes for years or even graduate from Seminary with a Master’s Degree, but everyday living is the place faith becomes real. James says, In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (2:17 NIV). Not all test of our faith come from an unexpected event as Peter’s challenge. In fact, most occur over an prolonged period leaving us with time to consider our situation, an opportunity for Satan to tempt us with doubt, or for us to second guess if it is God’s will.
Abraham wasn’t unacquainted with putting the rubber to the road when his ultimate test came. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac (Heb 11:17). His journey with the Lord started with a step of faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place . . . not knowing where he was going (v8). Then, by faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise for 25 years before the birth of Isaac (v9). His greatest expression of faith came when God told him, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him [Isaac] there as a burnt offering (Gen 22:2). So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him (v3). Yet, it was three days of travel before they arrived at the place of sacrifice. We can only imagine what went through his mind with every step for over 72 hours. Did he even sleep during those nights?
Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. Consider the thoughts that might pass through your mind. “Was that really God’s voice?” “God doesn’t tell us to do things like this.” “My son is the fulfillment of Yahweh’s promise. He can’t take the promise away now.” “I should turn around, go back home, and pray about this.” “I’ll camp here for a couple of days and make sure I heard right.” “Lord, give me a sign.” “Everything I hoped for will be gone.” However, somewhere in the journey Abraham by faith concluded God was able to raise him up, even from the dead (Heb 11:19 NKJV). Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham” . . . now I know that you fear God (Gen 22:10-12)! Abraham hadn’t merely said he had faith in God and do nothing. He put the rubber to the road with his faith in action in an actual situations. Because of this God accredited him righteousness.
Serving Christ involves more than words, doctrines we learn, and assertions we make concerning our faith in Jesus. Think of the people you know who say they are Christians, even though they never do anything but attend church. We must never forget our works will not save us however true faith will move our beliefs into action. Faith without deeds is dead (Jam 2:26). There is truth in the old saying, “Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk.” Words come cheap. John sums up everything I’ve said in one verse addressing the three most misused words in the English language. “I love you”. John wrote let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (1 Jn 3:18). If we see someone without clothing and in need of daily food, it is not enough to says “I love you; I’ll pray for you” and leave doing nothing.
Abraham had to take action for the first step toward the Promised Land. He had to take action for the first step toward the land of Moriah. It required action to build an altar and lay out the wood, then bind Isaac and lay him on the altar. The rubber met the road when he raised the knife.
Sustaining Word for the Week: This week put your beliefs and faith into action. Put the rubber to the road.