Mr. Donaldson lived in a village on an island. He had to walk a long way to the school where he was a teacher. It took him six hours to walk to the school, so he stayed there during the week. He enjoyed being with his family on the weekends. It was always hard to leave them Sunday afternoons to start the long walk back to the school.
One Sunday afternoon he left rather late. It was a very difficult walk over hills, through valleys, and along steep cliffs by the ocean where the waves pounded against the rocks, making a roar like thunder. As he walked it became dark. He wore a backpack in which he carried his lunch, clothing and books. At the very bottom was his flashlight. I know my way since I’ve made this trip so many times before, he thought to himself. He decided not to stop to dig the flashlight out of his backpack.
It was unwise to think he could find his way in the dark. And that’s the same way so many boys and girls live (grown-ups too). They think they can find their own way in this dark world full of sin and evil without God’s help.
Walking became more difficult and rough since he was on the windy side of the island. The ocean was pounding against the rocks with greater and greater force. The cliffs were high, and the trees and underbrush were so thick that even on a moonlit night the path was dark. I still won’t bother getting out my flashlight, he kept assuring himself. I can make it without it. So on he trudged.
Suddenly his foot slipped off the path. He tumbled down the steep hillside, slipping and sliding, and grabbing for whatever he could hold onto. His hands finally found a sturdy bush, and he held on for dear life!
We don’t need to stumble and fall. God has a light we can use to find our way in this dark world. Psalm 119:105105NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) says, “Thy word [the Bible] is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” We also learn in John 12:4646I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:46) that Jesus is the light. He says, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide [live] in darkness.” John 12:4646I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:46).
There was no one around to help Mr. Donaldson, and he did not expect anyone to come along that late at night. He had to scramble and crawl up over rocks and roots, dirt and weeds until he made it back up to the path, where he rested. His clothes were dirty and torn, and he was badly scratched and bruised. He blamed himself: I had my flashlight with me, but I didn’t use it. His flashlight was a good one with good batteries, but he thought he didn’t need that help.
Have you been going through this dark, dangerous world without the help of the light that will lead you safely to heaven? The Lord Jesus says, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:1212Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12). Why not turn to Jesus who can lead you safely every step of the way.
ML-10/06/1991