Welcome back to Van Life Devotions. We in the Margaret River region in Western Australia, and this is its famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
This historic lighthouse is the tallest on mainland Australia. It is situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia, at the tip of a spectacular peninsula where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.
This famous landmark was constructed from local limestone in 1895, and it remains a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous Cape.
The primary purpose of a lighthouse is to provide navigational aid and ensure the safety of ships at sea. Lighthouses serve as prominent landmarks, warning vessels of potential hazards, such as rocky coastlines, sandbars, and reefs. By emitting a powerful beam of light, lighthouses help ships determine their position and plot a safe course. In adverse weather conditions or during the night, these steadfast structures offer a sense of direction and assurance to mariners navigating unfamiliar waters.
In the Bible, Jesus said about Himself: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT). That means even when you feel lost or overwhelmed, Jesus is your constant - the unchanging light that helps us find our way.
One of the reasons to be a follower of Jesus is that you don’t have to walk in darkness. As light reveals, so darkness conceals. It conceals the truth of God’s love, that Jesus is the only way to God, and it even conceals that you are a sinner needing to be saved.
As Jesus is the light of the world, He reveals your position and need to be saved. He guides you through this messy thing we call life.
Lighthouses don’t stop the storm, but they help sailors navigate through it. In the same way, being a follower doesn’t mean life will be storm-free. But it does mean that we're never alone in the storm. God is always shining His light through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through the love of Christ.
The Bible also says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105 ESV) reminding us of how essential light is in times of darkness and uncertainty. Just like a lighthouse shine through the storm to guide ships safely to shore, God is our lighthouse - steady, immovable, and always shining.
Whenever you see a lighthouse, remember: God sees you, He is guiding you, and His light is always shining - especially in the darkest moments.
Why be a follower of Jesus? You never have to walk in darkness again.
How can you walk in the Light? Trust and obey. Trust in faith that Jesus is God’s Son who saved you on the cross. And follow Jesus as Lord by obeying His teachings.
I invite you to pray this prayer with me:
Father God.
I am sorry that I am a sinner.
Thank you for forgiving me.
In times of darkness, help me to be guided by Your light.
Enable me to put my trust in You and
to obey Your teachings.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
David Moyes
