Look to Christ

In a recent sermon, the Rev. King Duncan told a story of a British soldier in the First World War who lost heart for the battle and deserted. Trying to reach the coast for a boat to England that night, he ended up wandering in the pitch black night, hopelessly lost. In the darkness, he came across what he thought was a signpost. It was so dark that he began to climb the post so that he could read it. As he reached the top of the pole, he struck a match to see, and he found himself looking directly into the face of Jesus. He realized that, rather than running into a signpost, he had climbed a roadside crucifix. Then he remembered the One who had died for him . . . who had endured . . . who had never turned back. The next morning the soldier was back in the trenches.

Duncan made the point, “Maybe that’s what you and I need to do in the moments of our distress and darkness – strike a match in the darkness and look on the face of Jesus Christ. For Christ is here…” Christ is with you.

In the book of Hebrews we read these words of encouragement:

“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition… so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Let us pray: O God, Immanuel, In moments of darkness and despair may we remember that you are indeed with us. Grant us light enough to see. May the same courage, perseverance and strength that empowered Jesus also empower us. We ask in his name. Amen.