The Lighthouse – John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
“Divert your course to avoid a collision,” the Canadians radioed the Americans. “Negative,” replied the commander of the American ship as he blustered about his eminent position in the US Navy, the grandeur of his vessel, and the magnitude of its accompanying fleet. “I have set my course; therefore, you divert.” However, when the Canadians warned, “Divert, for this is a lighthouse,” only a fool or lunatic of the grandest measure would allow pride to destroy a naval vessel and all of the sailors aboard the ship.[1]
This exchange should not seem foreign to us, for Jesus calls out to His beloved in the same manner as did the lighthouse watchman to the approaching ship, warning us to divert from the disastrous course we have embarked upon. Too often, we arrogantly reply, “We know what we are doing. We will not divert.” Having allowed our eyes to shift from our Lord, we ignore His love-inspired admonitions to turn away from our sin and to return posthaste to Him. Rather than obeying Him, we steer our bow straight ahead into the darkness, mindless of the collision that lies ahead. Though our Lord’s light shines through the blackest night to lead us away from danger into the safe harbor of His keeping,[2] we find ourselves groping as if we were without direction, indulging in our pleasures and pride to our great detriment.
Listen to the voice of Love
calling out from the lighthouse, and by the grace of God, allow the Light to
guide you.[3] Do not permit the
deception of pride to blind your eyes to Jesus’ glory, and do not allow the
wickedness of the world to steer you into the rocks.[4] Follow the Lord out
of darkness into the brilliance of sunshine where He resides. Moor your soul on the dock of His loving-kindness
and provision, so it can rest in safety.[5] Walk in the Light,
holding close to Jesus, and spiritual blindness will not overtake you, for your
course will lead you unharmed through treacherous waters to the beautiful
shores of the river in the holy city.[6]
On a black and starless night
Peering out, I caught no sight
Of the peril that crossed my track
I thought myself above attack
My pride had set me on a course
That arrogance at once endorsed
I knew the who, the why, the how
So straight ahead, I steered the bow
“Divert,” a voice called from the sea
Surely, He could not mean me
For I command a mighty fleet
And could this challenger defeat
“Turn aside,” was my return
For my blind eyes could not discern
That I was but a fragile man
And One held out a better plan
“Divert,” again the Lighthouse said
“I’ll lead you into life instead
Of the death that lies in wait
For he who passes by the Gate
“Into which My light will lead
That I might make you free indeed
Divert at once from your plan
For I am who I say I am
“And I extend to you this day
The life, the truth, the joy-filled way
Hear My words, and welcome Me
The One who lights the darkest sea”
[1] From an actual radio exchange between Americans and Canadians
[2] John 1:4-5
[3] John 10:27
[4] Psalm 36:9-11
[5] John 12:46
[6] John 12:35, Revelation 21:2
