Ever been camping in the forest? It's exciting fun for kids, not so much for adults 
. In the evening is the best, when it's dark and you can run through the trees with a flashlight. Why do you need a flashlight? Because it's completely dark, often the tree canopy doesn't even let the moonlight through and you can't see anything. Therefore, to avoid getting lost and to find your way back to camp, you need a flashlight to see the way by its light.
„And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?”
Mark 4:21 ESV
Mark 4:21-25
Please read today's passage in your Bible. Listen to what God wants to say to you today. Let's continue our reflection.
So we've got the flashlight in our hands, we're running and hiding in the woods. These are exciting memories. Of course, you only turn the flashlight on if you want to see the path, otherwise you have to put it out because the others will see where you're hiding and you'll get caught. It's a good game for a while, but there comes a point when the darkness gets so overwhelming, especially if you're alone because you're trying to hide from your companions, that you can't wait to see the campfire light in the trees. And when you see, you calm down, you're finally safe, nothing can happen now. There's the campfire, there are the others.
But what if the adults thought of something, and covered the campfire light with different things, now we're tricking the kids. What would happen? You'd probably have to call the emergency services, because a lot of people would get lost, get in trouble, there could be an accident, or panic. But what is the problem? Were they just joking?
This is certainly the case in our lives. As long as we live our lives without God, we are wandering in the dark forest. For a while we think how much fun it is, I'm free, I can do what I want, but if you don't get to the "campfire" soon, after a while you get lost in the dark woods. For a while you think how good your life is, you decide what you do, adults, your parents, no longer interfere, no longer control you. You are free. But after a while that freedom has consequences. You feel you can't manage your life, you need help, but there's no one.
And then you see a light. Christian people, friends introduce you to Jesus. Jesus the light, the way, the hope. Jesus is the light in the darkness of the world, through him we can have hope for our future. If we are with Him and follow Him we will never go astray again because He shows us the way.
How nice to have friends like that. I too came to know Jesus in my greatest despair, when I felt utterly hopeless, when I felt I was lost, then someone came and showed me light in the darkness. He introduced me to Jesus, who is the solution to all my problems, with whom I can live in light and clarity. I no longer need to be afraid, I no longer need to be alone, because He is with me. And since then I have never been disappointed in Him, and I have never regretted having Jesus in my life.
At the same time, I am very grateful for those Christian friends who did not hide the light of Jesus, who did not keep it to themselves, but courageously took it on and told me. So I too could find my way there by the light of the campfire in the safety of the camp.
Reflective questions
- If you feel lost, if there's no way out of your problems, if the waves are crashing over your head, if it's dark and you're scared, know that there is a solution. The light of the campfire is waiting for you too. Jesus died on the cross for you, he can help you and he wants to help you. Come to Jesus. If you need help, because you don't know how, find a Christian friend to help you. Or write to us, we want to help you.
- If you already know Jesus, know the light in the darkness, don't keep it to yourself. Many people wander lost in a dark world. Help them, show them the light of Jesus, so that their lives can be safe. Think of the watchman's task in the Bible, God has entrusted many people to you to lead them to Jesus.
How good it feels to be safe in the light and warmth of a campfire. No need to fear getting into trouble in the dark world. Help those who are still lost and searching for the light of the campfire.
Judit
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