Navigating The Darkness Of This World
Navigating The Darkness Of This World | August 17, 2023
A boatman and a scholar were once traveling on a boat. During the journey, the scholar asked the boatman, "Do you know philosophy?" "No," he replied. "Do you know psychology?". "No." "What about geology?" "Nope!" "I suppose you don't know accountancy, huh?" "No, not at all." "Hm... life must be pretty boring for you then."
Just then, a storm erupted, and the waves were beating furiously against the boat. The scholar was afraid. The boatman asked, "Do you know how to swim?" "No!" he replied. "That's too bad," the boatman said. "But do you know God?" "No, I don't!" said the scholar. Boatman: "Then that's even worse. You'll have no hope after death!" The boatman brought out a lamp, lifted it, and asked, "Do you believe this can save you? Do you believe that this light can save you?" The man began to wave the lamp, signaling the surrounding boats in the darkness for help. Thankfully, they were saved - the light saved them.
This conversation between these two men represents the thoughts of many who focus entirely too much on perspectives and pursuits that ultimately are powerless to save. In John 8:12, Jesus made an extraordinary statement with an incredible promise. "Jesus spoke to them again: 'I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.' "
Jesus promised He would provide light in this life and the life to come in heaven. The light He gives now helps us to primarily navigate the darkness of this world, which is necessary given that evil and malice are increasing by the minute. His light also helps to make decisions, understand the Scriptures, and to walk with God. The light to come has to do with His promise of eternal life because not even the darkness of death can overtake His light.
Whether you are caught in a storm like the men on the boat or not, you need the light of Christ to navigate the unpredictability and unrest of our day. Remember, No '…ology' (no human wisdom and knowledge) can save you. Only Jesus can.
Just then, a storm erupted, and the waves were beating furiously against the boat. The scholar was afraid. The boatman asked, "Do you know how to swim?" "No!" he replied. "That's too bad," the boatman said. "But do you know God?" "No, I don't!" said the scholar. Boatman: "Then that's even worse. You'll have no hope after death!" The boatman brought out a lamp, lifted it, and asked, "Do you believe this can save you? Do you believe that this light can save you?" The man began to wave the lamp, signaling the surrounding boats in the darkness for help. Thankfully, they were saved - the light saved them.
This conversation between these two men represents the thoughts of many who focus entirely too much on perspectives and pursuits that ultimately are powerless to save. In John 8:12, Jesus made an extraordinary statement with an incredible promise. "Jesus spoke to them again: 'I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.' "
Jesus promised He would provide light in this life and the life to come in heaven. The light He gives now helps us to primarily navigate the darkness of this world, which is necessary given that evil and malice are increasing by the minute. His light also helps to make decisions, understand the Scriptures, and to walk with God. The light to come has to do with His promise of eternal life because not even the darkness of death can overtake His light.
Whether you are caught in a storm like the men on the boat or not, you need the light of Christ to navigate the unpredictability and unrest of our day. Remember, No '…ology' (no human wisdom and knowledge) can save you. Only Jesus can.
![](https://storage2.snappages.site/WX793G/assets/images/12687486_621x623_500.jpg)
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
2023
August
Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
No Comments