The Lighthouse

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. (John 12:31-36 ESV).

I ran across an old story of a captain of a battleship who, in the middle of the night, saw the light of another ship coming directly at him. The captain radioed the oncoming ship and said, “Turn south immediately.” The response was, “You turn south immediately.” The captain was furious. He radioed back, “This is a battleship. I command you to turn south immediately.” The response was, “This is the lighthouse. You turn south immediately.” Often we have an attitude like that of the captain of the battleship. In our persistent self-sufficiency and prideful arrogance we simply believe that we are always on the right course. We expect others to either get out of our way or join us on our path. We ignore God’s guidance for living our life. Then, suddenly, we find ourselves shipwrecked and feeling foolish. Thinking along these lines I went to our reading today. Jesus clearly contrasts the two choices of our lives. We can go toward the light and find safety; or, we can continue in the darkness of the world and end shipwrecked and adrift. Jesus Christ is the lighthouse trying to warn us of danger, and lead us to safety. I encourage you to trust Christ and be willing to follow His leadership in your life. He will keep you out of a lot of trouble. I did a little search and found a video of the old Gospel Song, The Lighthouse, by J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n0CQ-XZrpA). Give is a click and enjoy the wonderful old message of the grace of God through Jesus. It’s one of my all time favorite songs. Walk in the light. In Him there is no darkness at all. Trust every step Jesus gives you to take in your life. You will not be disappointed!