I’m walking down a corridor; at least I think it’s a
corridor.
To say it is black does not quite capture the feeling.
It is empty, void of color, the substance of darkness.
I can’t be sure where I’m heading, I can’t even be sure it’s
forward – just moving in some unknown meaningless direction.
At an unknown moment in time ahead, far ahead I see a single
sliver of light – like a door being only slightly open.
I cannot walk towards it. Part of me fears it yet I find
myself being drawn towards the warmth of the light.
It is still too far ahead and I can only see it through a
dark haze that seems to be surrounding not only my physical body but my mental
awareness.
I am still drawn forward by a force outside of myself – a
being that is both terrifying and yet calmly reassuring.
As I am pulled closer a few things become evident.
I am walking in a dungeon. Darkness engulfs it and dangers
lie all around.
As the haze lifts I have a feeling as if I’m being wakened
from a dark dream.
As my eyes are opened I see more clearly the door – for it
is indeed a door – and I am fascinated by the light that pours from the other
side.
The being drawing me towards the door is also the source of
the light.
After being carried through the door – apart from my own strength
or will – I see the light.
This light is the Gospel. The giver and source is Jesus
Christ.
For a while I am content to look at the light – to gaze and
wonder at it’s glory.
After a time I become curious about my surroundings. I begin
to explore this room I am in.
This room is filled with truth in doctrine. I find a
yearning to explore it.
Slowly though I’ve found my face turning more and more away
from the source of light.
Suddenly I can no longer peer ahead into this corner of the
room – this tidbit of doctrine is hidden from me. I am again peering into
darkness. The illumination is gone.
Confused I wonder to myself why there is darkness ahead. Why
isn’t the light revealing this truth to me?
Again I become keenly aware of the light. It is fully behind
me.
In shame I realize the darkness ahead is caused by my own shadow
blocking the Gospel from revealing truth to me.
I am taught then that in pursuit of truth in Christ, the Gospel
must always be in front of me. Never is it acceptable or profitable to take it
out of focus.
It must stay in front of me. It must be used to shine on my
search. It is the light to my path.
Shadow and haze comes when we value the pursuit of truth
above our pursuit of the truth giver. Without Him our search will be plagued
with shadow – a place where clear sight cannot be. As Christians may we never
forget the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation. May it be the lens
through which we seek truth.
