While sailing offshore on a dark moonless night, the stars fill the sky. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. For centuries, sailors have used these shining lights to find their way. Lighthouses and other lighted aids to navigation offer additional guidance to help us safely reach a desired destination at night. To avoid dangers along the way, prudent sailors diligently seek the lights they need, understand and follow the guidance offered by those lights. This takes preparation, continuous effort, trust in the guidance, and focus to avoid the numerous distractions along their journey.
John 1:1-5 says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
For the unaware and untrained, navigating in the dark of night can be confusing; even frightening. For most, the problem isn’t that they are incapable, they simply have not learned and practiced the things that make navigating through their life’s challenges possible. With training and trust in the guidance offered, navigating to the desired destination at night becomes possible.
John 1:6-9 says: There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Through His light, we can see we are imperfect people. Many feel lost or that they have no direction and purpose in life. His light stands out in the darkness and provides the guidance we need to get home safely, reach a desired destination, and to avoid dangers along the way.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
We are to shine like stars!
Ephesians 1:18a I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
