Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” – John 8:12
Imagine a city of darkness inhabited by thousands of people. In this city are millions of sidewalks, dirt paths, roads, and highways, but only one is marked with a yellow arrow along its path. The road is long but is continuously marked with the yellow arrows. At the end of this marked road is a neon sign that simply says “HEAVEN.”
Now imagine that everyone in this city of darkness is walking around with their eyes closed, not out of necessity, but because there is no purpose to open them. At some time in their lives, they tried opening them but couldn’t see anything so they kept them shut. In addition, their intuition tells them that there is a place called heaven where they could live forever, but no one has ever “seen” it or the path which leads to it. They all feel around hoping to get lucky and find it in the dark.
Now imagine a bright light, one large enough to illuminate the entire city of darkness has been switched on. This great light shines everywhere and upon everyone, but with their eyes closed the inhabitants are unaware. Imagine a foreigner from heaven enters the city and begins to tell people to open their eyes. Most residents don’t believe that if they open their eyes they will see, but a few of the more trusting ones believe the foreigner and try it to their delight. They “chose” to trust the words of the foreigner and believe their meaning. In doing so they are shown the path that leads to HEAVEN and begin to follow it with the hope of one day reaching its final destination.
On the way, the residents who can now see tell others about the great light and the fact that if they would just open their eyes they would see the path for which they have so feebly been trying to pursue. Unfortunately, to their surprise, many of their friends and families choose not to open their eyes and continue fumbling around in their perceived darkness.
Notice there are two elements in this scenario needed to follow the path to heaven. First, the Light must be shown (Jesus is the Light and has come to Earth). Second, the inhabitants must cognitively choose to open their eyes to see, for without sight they will never find the path to heaven.
The same is true in our lives. The Light has come and in order for us to find eternity with God we must open our eyes of faith and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, brought here to this Earth to redeem us from our dark and dreary condition of sin. The Light does two things: 1) it exposes our sin, and 2) illuminates the path of righteousness for us to follow. We can continue to live in darkness, but the Light has been turned on if we only choose to see it. My hope is that you choose to follow it. Living in darkness will never get you to heaven. Open your eyes and see the Glory of God shone from above!
In Christ,
Dave
Questions to Ponder:
I realize the theology in this article will challenge most Calvinist thinkers. That’s ok, I welcome debate on the subject of predestination and the will of man. Besides, I believe it pleases the heart of God for His creatures to discuss His Word all-the-while seeking the truth.
1. If you were placed in this fantasy scenario how happy would you be if you decided to open your eyes? How excited would you be to proclaim to others what you saw? Do you share that excitement today to share the Gospel of Christ?
2. What keeps people from opening their eyes to the Light?
3. Matthew 23:37-39 tells of Jesus looking over the city of Jerusalem and lamenting on her decision to reject Him. What words can express His anguish and exactly how was He feeling?
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