Pastor Devotion – Jesus is the light of the world

By Pastor Mark Woodward

Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora)

Recently, Deanna and I  took our 11-year-old grandson on a trip to Duluth.  He had never seen Lake Superior before.  We had a great time!  The weather was perfect and there is so much to see and do on the North Shore of Lake Superior.  We visited  the Duluth Aquarium, Duluth Zoo, Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse.  We also had fun swimming, exploring various beaches, skipping stones, hunting for agates, eating good food and just spending time together.  It was a real blessing.

While we were there, I especially enjoyed our visit to Split Rock Lighthouse which was built in 1909 and functioned for over 60 years to warn sailors  of dangerous  rocks and treacherous waters in the midst of severe storms, darkness and fog.  I learned that the lighthouse powered by a 1,000 watt light bulb and a fresnel lens produces a beam of light which can be seen 22 miles out into Lake Superior.

During our visit, a storm was brewing over the lake.  In fact, in this picture one can see the clouds gathering out over the water.  Soon the storm hit…lightning flashed, thunder rumbled and rain poured down.  We had to take shelter in the visitor center because the staff was concerned about a possible lightning strike.

While waiting in the visitor center, I got to thinking about all the storms this old lighthouse has endured over the years and how its light has shone forth to bring guidance, hope and safety to many, many people and ships on the big lake.

During the storms of life… during the unsettled nature of today’s world… may we remember that Jesus is truly the Light of the world who guides  and gives renewed hope in the midst of our troubles and problems.

Yes!  Jesus is the Light of the world!  May his Light shine in our lives today and every day!!!