The Split Rock Lighthouse is located above Minnesota’s scenic North Shore Drive east of Duluth. Built on a cliff, the lighthouse sends out its warning light over Lake Superior. Below the lighthouse is a large formation of rocks that extends far out into the lake.
In the early days of navigation on Lake Superior, many ships crashed on these rocks and sank. Navigators knew about these rocks and tried to avoid them, but ships and lives were lost in spite of their best efforts. Why couldn’t they stay away from this area?
It was finally determined that the lake bottom in that area was made up of iron ore. This ore deflected compasses several degrees. This error, unseen by the navigators, caused them to steer in a wrong course that ended on the rocks. Finally, the boat companies united to get a lighthouse in that area so boats could steer by the light instead of by an unreliable compass.
Many younger and older people are steering their lives by an unreliable compass. If we are relying on anything other than God’s Word, the Bible, it is unreliable! God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105105NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)). By it we are directed to the One who said, “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)).
The Word of God is true, accurate and not affected by the most powerful forces of this world. It always points to the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way” (John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)), and as the living compass for our lives, it also says, “This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:2121And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)).
When the light of life is received, the compass of God’s Word continues to guide safely and accurately by its wonderful truths. If as Christians we follow the Bible, it will help us to steer clear of the rocks and shoals in our journey. Obedience to that compass assures a journey of peace and happiness, regardless of the waves and strong winds. The One who has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)), is on board. And until that soon-coming time when we will be in the land to which He leads us, the safe harbor of heaven, He says, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:2020Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)).
ML-08/21/2005