When you come home late at night, isn’t it nice when a family member has left a light on for you?

It shows they care about you, and want you to be guided safely back inside.

I was reminded of this recently when I came across a fun fact about border collies, a highly intelligent breed of dog often used to herd sheep.

The border collie usually sports a prominent white tip on its tail. This characteristic colouration is known as the “Shepherd’s Lantern.”

The white tip of the collie’s tail stands out in the dim light of dusk, allowing the shepherd to be guided home from the pasture after a long day’s work.

That got me thinking:

Our Heavenly Father gives us a “lantern,” too.

God loves us and wants to make sure we’re guided home to him.

He does this in two ways:

First, he gives us the Scriptures to light our way.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

The Scriptures show us the right way to live. They show us God’s character, his lovingkindness, and his mercy. They show us how God has worked in history, and how he can work in our own lives.

Most importantly, the Scriptures point the way to the ultimate Light. This brings us to the second way God guides us:

He gives us light through his son, Jesus:

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12:46)

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘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)

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

Jesus is the lantern that lights the path for us on our earthly journey. He is the Good Shepherd who shows us the way so that we can spend eternity in his presence.

His light always shines, beckoning you home.

Isn’t it good to know that God always leaves a light on for you?

“You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.”

Psalm 18:28

© 2022 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.