Thought for the week: Abiding by the Light of the World to avoid walking in darkness
A close Methodist church friend of mine, Rev Jim Lemon, died recently. At his funeral service I reflected on many memories from over 60 years of knowing him.
We used to live nearby on the Tyrone-Fermanagh border.
Back then, Jim was quite cautious about second-hand cars, so he always opted for a brand-new vehicle.
In the late 1970s, he bought a shiny new Morris Maxi.
One day, while driving along the rough, narrow country roads, the oil warning light suddenly flashed on his dashboard.
Jim thought to himself: "This is a new car; it can’t be anything serious"; so he decided to continue driving, planning to have it checked out soon.
After a few minutes, the car suddenly stopped. When it was towed to the dealership, the news was disheartening for Jim.
A loose stone had come up from the road, pierced the sump, and caused all the oil to leak out.
It was a harsh lesson for my friend, who later told me he had to pay hundreds of pounds for a new engine.
Jim later shared the story as a preacher, because he saw this experience as a modern parable that applies to many areas of life.
At some point, we all face set-backs.
In ministry, I've listened to people who have reached crisis moments and they’re at their wits end, when suddenly, God has awakened them to the reality that they need to give their life to Him in repentance and faith.
The crisis has become a life-changing moment as they have surrendered it to God.
Jim Lemon often joked about his oil light experience, noting that, in the long term, it was of little importance.
His burning desire was to share the news of the One who said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12.