What's a Meta For?

So I have been thinking about this, mainly from my conversations with a buddy of mine, Jeff about the spiritual life. And I'm starting to form a metaphor, which I think was more clearly articulated by Brennan Manning in a book I skimmed through in which he compares the Christian life to the Wild, Wild West. But I can't remember that book's title.

Point 1: Life = Jungle
I think getting to know God is like trying to find your way in a jungle. It's dark. It's mysterious. It's confusing. And it's dangerous, almost hostile at times.

Point 2: Bible = Map of the Jungle
You have a map (the Bible), which helps, but only if you study it. And that's hard because the Bible isn't as easy to read as a map. And even then, maps are very different than looking at and being in the real thing. Maps don't indicate where trees are, or where the tigers are, for that matter.

Point 3: Tigers, Angry Pygmies, Snakes, etc = Temptations
Pretty self-explanatory

Point 4: English-speaking Jungle Native who's befriended you = Holy Spirit
Knows the territory inside and out. Acts like a scout, and goes out before you, while you're in camp, to determine which way to go. But the guide is weird, because it seems like he goes out and then comes back in two days all dirty saying, "This way, and quick." And you're like, "Why?" and he's like, "I don't have time to explain."

Point 5: Community of Believers = Other Adventurers
We also need other adventures, just to talk about all this. Sometimes other people see things we don't, and that can help. And most of the time, we need each other to remind ourselves that we're not crazy, insane, or just making this whole thing up. That's part of my role, as a pastor - to remind people that in their search for God and Jesus, that honestly, we're not all crazy.

Point 6: Hidden Bunkers, Filled with Supplies = Writings of Christians Who Went Before Us
They're no longer around - but they were deep enough in the jungle to know what others would need. So they made a shanty, covered it in vines, and left supplies (like batteries, fresh water, canned food, ammunition, pantyhose, etc) to help us trudge further than they were able to go. It's what they would have wanted.


Here's what I'm missing. Where does Jesus fit into all this. Also, God the father. Revise, discuss, expand. I'm not the King of Metaphors, and I'm interested to hear what you think.