October 22, 2025 Walking the Yellow Brick Road

Published October 22, 2025


Wednesday, October 22, 2025 

Yellow Brick Grace, Part 3: Walking the Yellow Brick Road 

“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”   ​2 Corinthians 3:18 

For the last two weeks, I’ve written reflections on The Wizard of Oz after watching it with our kids. We began with Good, Evil, and the Man Behind the Curtain, exploring deception and truth, then moved to The Grace of Gifts from Within, discovering how grace often grows through unexpected challenges. 

Now we come to the Yellow Brick Road itself. 

The first time we see it, the screen bursts from black and white into living color. Our kids gasped in amazement - imagine that, still being awestruck by color TV in 2025! The effect is timeless. From a spiritual lens, that moment captures the joy of conversion: when faith brings the world to life, and we step into the vibrant reality of God’s grace.  

In Methodist terminology, the conversion moment at which we accept Jesus, that’s Justifying Grace - the grace that saves. Some of our Evangelical friends focus mainly on this element of grace. 

But imagine if the movie ended in Munchkinland! What if assurance of salvation isn’t the finish line, but the starting point? United Methodists believe that once we say yes to Jesus, we begin walking a lifelong road of growth called Sanctifying Grace - the grace that transforms us into Christ’s likeness day by day. 

You may be wondering, where does this idea of Sanctifying Grace come from? Scripture gives us plenty of examples: 

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” -(Hebrews 12:14) 

“As He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” - (1 Peter 1:15–16) 

Or as Jesus put it, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - (Matthew 5:48) 

The Yellow Brick Road reminds us that grace is a journey, not a moment. The path can be long and the skies sometimes dark. We will stumble, take wrong turns, and maybe even want to turn back - just as Dorothy and her friends did. But every step, even the faltering ones, shapes us into who God created us to be. 

Jesus doesn’t just wait for us at the end. He walks beside us every step of the way, steadying us when we trip, guiding us when we wander, and reminding us that even when we fall, the road of grace still leads home. 

Reflection: One part I love about this film is that Dorothy has companions who regularly reassure each other. Who are the companions on your journey helping you grow more like Christ’s example? 

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for the road of grace that you have set before me. Help me remember that when the road feels long, You walk beside me. Shape my heart to love what You love and to follow where You lead. With each step draw me closer to doing Your will. Amen. 

With faith, hope, and love, 

Eric Smith