Writings
THE CAVE
It was a physical darkness like I had never experienced. The cave tour had taken us hundreds of feet deep into the mountain. Once we reached the deepest part the tour would take us to, our guide said she would turn off the lights so we could experience true darkness. We just think when we turn the lights out and go to bed at night that it is dark. That doesn’t even come close. Our guide announced that this kind of darkness plays tricks on you. The brain needs to see, so you will start thinking you can see your hand when you really can’t. She said this kind of darkness has been known to drive people insane.
Strange as it may seem, even though I knew it was only temporary, it was a very unsettling few seconds. I found myself just holding my breath, waiting for the light. And then it came. No, not the overhead lights that guided us down so far into the earth, but a single flashlight beam. Our guide shone a light down a corridor and announced we were now looking at one of the most decorated caves ever discovered. They call it the King’s Room because it is so richly ornate with all the stalactites and stalagmites.
There are many people walking around in a similar spiritual darkness. I’m not talking about “people” in the sense of strangers. I’m talking about our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends, and our family members. These are people within our sphere of influence whom we will be accountable for one day before our Lord and King – not accountable for their salvation. Salvation is only the Lord’s work. We will be held accountable to His call to shine the light into their darkness, illuminating their surroundings with such a glorious beam that they can’t help but finally see the riches of the King.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46