It was an exciting time for the baby turtles. They had been buried in the sand, on the beach, in the form of an egg for some time. The development inside of the shell was now complete. It was time for the baby turtles to break out of the shell and dig their way to the surface.
Nature is a wonder to behold. The timing of the turtles hatching coincides with a bright moon which reflects on the sea which gives direction for the newly hatched turtles to find their way into it. The sea is to be their new home where many live to a great old age.
Sadly, because of development in the area near where the turtles hatch, bright lights from the town on the opposite side, away from the sea, cause huge problems for the young turtles.
The confusion begins as soon as the eyes of the turtle see the light.
Which light to follow?
Towards the town or towards the sea?
The turtle so close to the ground has no way of knowing which way to go. It can`t see what’s up ahead.
Sadly, many head off in the wrong direction and end up in the town.
They have been deceived by the wrong light.
Many of them die as a result of falling into street drains or being crushed by the wheels of cars and Lorries. Some even get trapped in plastic containers etc. left lying around. Once they get in they are trapped and can`t get out.
Just like nature has provided the light of the moon to shine on the sea at the right time to lead the young turtles in the right direction, so also has God, who is creator of all, provided a light for us to guide us in the right direction.
Psalm 119:105 says: “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
John 8:12, Jesus’ speaking, says: “I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.”
Just as there is a problem for the young turtles deciding which way to go, so also young people and older ones too can be deceived and go in the wrong direction.
Many people get caught up in traps of drugs, alcohol, and pornography. Also anger, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness etc. are the result of going in the wrong direction.
“There is a way that seems right to a man but the end of it are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
I would like to point you in the right direction today. Ask Jesus into your heart and let Him be your guide. He said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6 ESV). Jesus will lead you, not only to the sea which is meant to be the turtle’s home but beyond the sea of this life into your eternal home in Heaven.
“I have set before you this day both life and death. Choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Donnie Black