Mega Flashmaster 5000

On the last night of a recent camping trip with my wife and a few other friends, we all began to tell scary stories around the campfire. As we were telling our stories, we laughed and squirmed to the various tales being voiced over the already mysterious sounds of nature. It seems as if each story became scarier and each one of our responses became more dramatic. We eventually concluded and made our way to bed in order to get some rest for our travel home the next day.

A couple of days after our return, I was in my office when an email arrived in my inbox. It was an email from one of our friends who had been with us on the trip. He began to explain how he had shared some of his camping experiences with a few of his other friends and how he had retold a couple of the scary stories from a few nights before. He tells of one of his listener’s response to one particular story with the following email…

“I told someone that story last night and they followed it with their own. - ‘A good friend who was a photographer had gone camping in the mountains to take pictures of the sunrise the following morning. After arriving back home and taking her pictures to have them developed, she found that there were 14 different pictures of herself sleeping!’”

This might be the scariest thing I have ever heard. To this day, I don’t know if that story is true. As a matter of fact, I doubt that it is. I’m not completely sure that my buddy isn’t pulling my leg. Or for that matter, that his friend isn’t pulling his leg. Either way, the thought of something like this happening terrifies me and reminds me of my occasional apprehension towards camping.

In response to stories like this, I don’t ever go camping without one important item. Now, I know what you are thinking - a handgun, a knife, or something in the ‘weapon’ category. No, what I take is a flashlight. “A flashlight?” you might be thinking. Let me clarify. This is no ordinary flashlight. I carry the MEGA FLASH MASTER 5000. This thing would blind you for a temporary, yet significant, amount of time if you looked into it. It is huge. It takes eight D batteries just to turn it on. It is like walking around with a set of car headlights in your hand!

If I were to ever to come upon some type of danger, I want the best flashlight available to help me protect myself. In case I was ever to get lost in the woods, I wouldn’t want just any little flashlight to direct me through the darkness. Each camping experience brings along new adventures and new possible risks. I need a light this strong to help guide my way. No other flashlight would suffice.

In the Old Testament, we see that God created light upon the earth and that He also provides a spiritual light unto men. Not only does Jesus frequently refer to himself as the “light of the world” in the New Testament, but many other references to light are also made. Today, spend time studying and reflecting upon the Scriptures below.

John 1:1-10, 3:18-22, 5:34-36, 8:11-13; 9:4-6

You will see that, intellectually, “light” refers to biblical truth in response to “darkness” (which refers to error or falsehood). Morally, “light” refers to holiness or purity while “darkness” refers to sin or wrongdoing. In that He embodies both truth and holiness, it is also appropriate for the word “light” to simply be describing Jesus himself.

Once you have read these passages, spend some time reflecting upon the role of His light in your life. He is with you at all times and will never abandon you. You have nothing to fear. In the darkest and scariest times of your life, He will hold you. In the murky and confusing areas of your life, He provides direction and stability. In a society that is constantly following the direction of so many others, only His light will be found sufficient. Are you utilizing this wonderful provision? Are there areas in your life that you need to seek His guidance in?

Be encouraged. He is the ultimate source of light. Aren’t you thankful you don’t have to lean upon your own little light? He will never leave you nor forsake you. He can calm your worries. He can guide your path and direct your steps. Take time to reflect in prayer with God. Lean upon Him. Call out to Him. Praise Him.