A terrible storm was raging on the Great Lakes and a tugboat towing a large barge was swept again and again by fierce breakers. Taking on water, it seemed there was little hope for the crew. Yet, somehow, they managed to keep afloat and, in the morning, were rescued by a passing ship. Afterward, the captain said there was one thing that strengthened their hearts to carry on: shining through the gloom they could occasionally see the lights of home.
The apostles struggled with gloom at the news of Christ’s impending death. But, Jesus provided hope, saying, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1–3).
When Jewish Christians were tempted to forsake their devotion to Christ, they were admonished to fix their “eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). In a similar fashion, the apostle Paul told his Colossian brethren to “keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1–2).
Difficult times will come into the lives of all those who seek Jesus with a pure heart. During these storms, we must not lose heart. Look by faith to the hope set before us. Even in the darkest night, the eye of faith can see, shining in the distance, the lights of our eternal home.
— Glen Elliott —