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.
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