{Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai, Hawaii}
One of my favorite childhood memories includes listening to my parent’s singing group practice and perform. For many years, my mom and dad sang in a southern gospel quartet which traveled and ministered throughout the state of Kentucky. Several now call heaven their home because of the Gospel in song pointed the way to Him.
Of all the songs they sang, one in particular continues to stand out. My daddy, who now enjoys the presence of Jesus, was known for his rendition of “The Lighthouse”.
There’s a Lighthouse on the hillside
That over looks life’s sea
When I’m tossed it sends out a light
That I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead us o’er
If it wasn’t for the Lighthouse
My ship would be no more
Chorus:
And I thank God for the Lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
For Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I could clearly see
If it wasn’t for the Lighthouse (tell me)
Where would this ship be?
Everybody that lives about us
Says tear that Lighthouse down
The big ships don’t sail this way anymore
There’s no use of it standing round
Then my mind goes back to that stormy night
When just in time I saw the light
Yes, the light from that old Lighthouse
That stands up there on the hill
Although I loved listening to my daddy as a child, it wasn’t until I was an adult that I truly understood the significance of “The Lighthouse”.
Upon study, I found the purpose of a lighthouse’s light was to give a ship/captain at sea a fixed point of reference to help him navigate in the dark when the shore or an offshore hazard cannot be clearly seen. Even though a functioning lighthouse is not necessary as it once was, their history proves a lovely parallel to the Christian walk.
Before Jesus, we walked in darkness. We aimlessly walked believing we walked purposefully. We were unable to see the proverbial hand before our face, all the while being cheered on by the evil one.
We steered ourselves into the dead of life’s night.
Anxious…
Fearful…
Uncertain…
Eyes wide, heart racing.
Deceived into believing maneuvering through life on our own was how life was designed. If you’ve met “The ‘Light’house”, you’ve learned differently. His plan never involved winding us up and turning us loose on our own. If you haven’t met Him, envision yourself as the ship sailing uncharted waters blindfolded. You’re steering in darkness hoping to make it through. Be encouraged! The “Light” is shining brightly and intentionally, hoping beyond all hope you see and seek Him.
His promise…
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” ~ Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)
Once we meet Him and receive “Light”, things change…
“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day,
nor the moon to give its light by night,
for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.” ~ Isaiah 60:19 (NLT)
It is HIS Light that truly gives life…
“I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” ~ John 8:12 (CEV)
After meeting and receiving the Light, the darkness we once walked in no longer has power over us…
“The light shines in the darkness,and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~ John 1:5 (NIV)
I met the Light in August, 1994. Prior to, I stumbled around, arms outstretched, in utter darkness. I was deceived into believing light was mine to create. Thankfully, I saw the “‘Light’house” shining, seeking and followed Him to safety.
If you’ve met the Light, I rejoice along with you. If you have yet to meet Him, today is your day. No longer do you have to wander alone in darkness, struggling to stay afloat on life’s raging sea, searching for light and peace. Both are yours for the taking. Here’s how…
Admit you’ve missed the mark (sinned) and you want and need His forgiveness. (Romans 3:10; 3:23)
Believe Jesus lived died and rose from the grave. (Roman 10:9,10)
Call upon Him to save (rescue) you from darkness. (Romans 10:13)
