From 285 B.C. until the middle of the fourteenth century, Pharos, the greatest lighthouse in the ancient world, sent its beacons far out over the Mediterranean. How welcome must have been the sighting of the lighthouse to mariners of old who, traveling along a dangerous coast, used it to guide their ships into the safe harbor at Alexandria, Egypt. So impressive was this structure that over the years the name “Pharos” became the word meaning “lighthouse” in many languages, such as Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese.
The structure was a monumental feat in ancient engineering. The tower, made of marble blocks, stood over four hundred feet or forty stories tall. The base of the tower was a large square; the midsection was an octagon, while the topmost section was built in the shape of a cylinder. Fuel was hauled to the top of the lighthouse through a shaft in the center of the tower. Near the top of this tower a huge bonfire was lit every night. A great mirror reflected the light from the bonfire and created a beam of light strong enough to be seen by ships over thirty-five miles away.
The lighthouse was so well engineered and constructed that it stood for nearly 1700 years before it was damaged beyond repair by an earthquake.
Did you know that God’s Word is like a tall and powerful lighthouse? It sends out its beams into a world made dark by sin and unbelief. Its light can reach into the darkest heart and give it hope.
“The entrance of Thy words giveth light” (Psa. 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)). It shows sinners how to find the way of salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life at Calvary. “God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)).
He paid the penalty of sin, which is death, so that all who believe on Him might be saved. When sinners obey God’s Word and believe on the Lord Jesus, it is as if they enter into the one harbor where they can find safety from sin, death and judgment to come. “Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isa. 45:2222Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22)).
If you are out on life’s sea, tossed about by storms and not knowing in the darkness which way to turn, won’t you let the light from God’s Word direct you to the Savior? Coming to the Lord Jesus you will find life, light and the sure hope of spending an eternity with Him in heaven. Once you come to know Him as your Savior, He will never cease to guide you during your whole life. However, if you continue to live as if you don’t need the Lord Jesus, at some time in the future you will sadly perish in the outer darkness of hell because you chose to reject Him. No light shines in that awful place, not even the faintest glimmer. Don’t pass the Savior by. You need Him very much, more than you can possibly need anything else.
Pharos far surpassed other buildings in height, greatness and excellence of construction. In time it became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Lord Jesus is wonderful too! Because He is of surpassing glory, He is even given the name of “Wonderful.” “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called WONDERFUL” (Isa. 9:66For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)).
It is wonderful that He came into this world seeking for sinners. It is wonderful that He gave His life on Calvary’s cross and completed the work so all who believe might be saved. It is wonderful that He arose from the grave, victorious over sin, death and Satan, and now lives forevermore. His name is Wonderful, and “wonderful” describes everything He does. Won’t you believe on Him that you might have life through His name?