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.
Recent
Promise Keeping Is Good For Your Health | November 28th
November 28th, 2023
Get The Deal Of Two Lifetimes
November 24th, 2023
Counting Blessings Cuts Down Stress
November 23rd, 2023
Bring Encouragement With You This Thanksgiving
November 22nd, 2023
Finish Strong With Forty Days Of Thanksgiving
November 21st, 2023
Archive
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
September
Rise Above Your AngerGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityAll The Days Of My LifeBalance Rest And LaborStrive To Always Be SincereBreaking The Habit Of WorryPrayer For Students And SchoolsAn Antidote AnxietyTrust God And Leave The Results To HimDeclareSeek God For Strength Fatigue Makes You Vulnerable To Temptation Put The Work Of Waiting Into MotionTrust In God Leads To Blessing Are You Teachable?BelieveMeditate On Scripture To Manage StressThink Through Your Actions Get Back On God's PathOur Father Who Art In HeavenHallowed Be Thy NameYour Kingdom Come, Your Will Be DoneGive Us This Day Our Daily BreadForgive Us Of Our SinsLead Us Not Into TemptationDeliver Us From The Evil OneFor Yours Is The Kingdom And The Power And The Glory Forever. AmenGetting Out Of Your Mental PitYou Can Have Unshakable FaithKeep Short Accounts With God
October
God Of The Final SayStop Making Excuses And Start Making Adjustments God Acts On Behalf Of Those Who Wait On HimWaiting On God For DirectionGod's Perfect FaithfulnessWaiting Can Wear You OutGod's Refuge Is Your UmbrellaGod's Cover 4 DefenseRemove Negative Labels Live By God's PowerPraying For IsraelDiscouragement Is CurableGarbage In, Garbage Out Seeking God's BlessingMake Sundays Sacred We See A Battle, The Lord Sees Our Victory Refuse To Throw In The Towel God's Timing Is Trustworthy Be Miracle-MindedShake Off Negativity Keep Doing What Is RightMaintain An Active Church MembershipBe An Anyway Type Of PersonDetest Evil, Cling To Good Encouragement is oxygen for the mind.Kindness Will Reward YouCombine Prayer And ActionOvercoming Evil With Good Decisions
No Comments