Spelunking Through a Dark Cave With Jesus
by Mark Parsec(350)
Blogz
I can’t say that I am much of a spelunker, but I have had my share of outdoor adventures. However, when I was younger I had a friend in the Air Force who made a hobby out of spelunking. Now, for those of you who are not “in the know”, spelunking is a term used by cave enthusiasts who love nothing more than to spend all of their free time exploring caves.. spelunking.
Now, as you might imagine, cave exploration is probably a very hazardous recreation. Caves are notoriously dangerous places, filled with steep cliffs and crags and chasms. They are darker than the darkest night and occupied with spiders, bats, scorpions and unimaginable mutant creepy-crawlies. And, should you be able to avoid all these dangers, you are still faced with the constant danger of noxious gases, cave-ins and falling stalactites that can pierce a person from head to toe.
Nevertheless, spelunkers find these nuisances to be quite negligible in contrast to the excitement and stimulation they experience when trekking off into the dark unknown abyss.
Some cave enthusiasts refer to their sport as "kerplunking". The term kerplunking is generally associated with the sound a rock makes when it falls into water. So, one might think that the term kerplunker is a misnomer. However, it is probably more of a term of endearment, expressed somewhat tongue-in-cheek, for no cave explorer may long endure without a slip or a slide or a tumble or a fall. No doubt, some kerplunkers proudly show off their cuts, bruises, and broken bones as evidence of their vocation. Others, however, never survive the kerplunk!
In any event, it is for this reason, then, because of the hazards involved with cave exploration, that spelunkers generally observe certain guidelines. Just some of them include:
1. Never spelunk alone.
2. Bring a light.
3. Bring a rope.
4. Wear a helmet and appropriate attire.
It is only the most foolish of explorers that would enter into a cave alone, without light, rope, helmet or appropriate clothing. Nevertheless, even when fully prepared, that splunker fairs best who is securely tethered to his experienced guide who can lead him safely through the underworld.
In many ways, Christians are like spelunkers. But, instead of trekking through an underworld of mountains and valleys, Christians must trudge through this world under heaven filled with mountains of obstacles and valleys of despair. And like cave explorers, we often find ourselves in dark and dangerous places, filled with cliffs of opposition, crags of disappointments and chasms of fear. We encounter pestilent people that appear more frightening to us than the most unimaginable mutant creatures. And should we survive all these dangers, we must endure the toxic lies and deceptions of Satan and all his underlings as they try to convince us that our faith is going to collapse under the constant bombardment from the fiery darts of hell, which intend to pierce our hearts.
However, true Christians have discovered that all of these annoyances are quite insignificant in contrast to the joy and excitement they have discovered in their walk with the Lord. They take the title of “Christian”, seriously, knowing that as Christ suffered in this world, so they also will suffer. Some even proudly endure torture and persecution for the name of Christ. But, sadly, there are others, who do not survive as Christians. They sever their ties with Christ and descend into the abyss of sin alone.
It is for this reason, then, because of the hazards involved with our journey through this fallen world of sin and darkness, that Christians, like kerplunkers, generally observe certain guidelines. Just some of them include:
1. Never go alone.
2. Bring a light.
3. Bring a rope.
4. Wear a helmet and appropriate attire.
1. Never go Alone.
Some Christians feel that they are smart enough, or strong enough, or self-reliant enough that they can make this Christian journey on their own. But, I have news for you friends. They are like the cave explorer who wanders into the cave alone and they are heading for trouble.
In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Apostle Paul tells us, “ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
If you are a Christian trying to go it on your own, please, seek fellowship with other believers. If you know of a Christian that has been isolating, seek them out, fellowship with them, before it is too late.
2. Bring a Light.
Few of us would wander through a dark cave without a light. The same should hold true for Christians. If we are going to travel safely through this world then we need the Light of Christ. And he shines His light for us through His Word, the Bible.
In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist proclaims, “ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
If you are a Christian trying to make it through this world with the light of your own understanding, be careful. We’re simply not that bright! Read the Word of God for direction with the decisions you are making about the course of your life.
3. Bring a Rope
Like mountain climbers, spelunkers often tether themselves to one another for safety. They coordinate their movements together and rely upon one another in their journey. Christians should do likewise.
In Philippians 1:27 (NLT), the Apostle Paul says, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith , which is the Good News.”
Christians need to tether themselves together in unity of purpose and faith. It is not just enough to attend fellowship. It is important to be part of the team and moving in the same direction.
4. Wear a Helmet and Appropriate Attire.
Just as an arctic explorer does not wear a swimming suit, or a baseball player a football uniform, so also, the spelunker has appropriate attire for his vocation. A cave explorer would not get far if he entered a cave dressed for a tennis match. Similarly, Christians have a spiritual uniform for our journey.
In Ephesians 6:11-17 (KJV) the Apostle Paul says…
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Let Jesus Be Your Guide
Finally, just as kerplunkers will tether themselves to a guide to lead them through a cave, we need to tether ourselves to Jesus. We need to allow Jesus to lead us and guide us, and we need to follow Him.
When it comes to explaining how the Lord leads us, Psalm 23 perhaps says it best...
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Maybe you have been spelunking through this world on your own, without a light, without a rope, without the proper attire. Why not give Jesus a chance. Let Him be your guide. He said that He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He also promised that He would never leave you nor forsake you. Trust Him and let Him be your guide.
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Article submitted Sunday, January 24, 2010 & read 261 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Joel Kontinen from Finland (227 days 22 hours ago.)
Hi Mark,
Once again, you've written a great article .
God bless you,
Joel
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» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Thank you, Joel.
Hope you have a blessed day.
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» left by Rich Vail from Pikesville, MD (227 days 22 hours ago.)
very good Mark, thanks for brining me to it. Well done.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
You're welcome, Rich. Thank you for commenting on the article.
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» left by blaine (227 days 22 hours ago.)
This is great,,,,thanks. i really enjoyed it...blaineRespond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Thank you, Blaine.
I appreciate your comments. Glad you enjoyed it.
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» left by Ella from Texas (227 days 19 hours ago.)
Hello Mark- You're in good form today, but then you usually are...I have indeed, always been a "kerplunker." Good word- never heard it before- kerplunking seems to land one kerplunk in the middle of controversy.When asked, "why?" I would reply in the manner of the mountain climber: "Why do you want to climb mountains?" "because they are there."Spiritual and mental kerplunking is much the same as you described it. Of course it is unwise to go completely alone. In realizing this, I asked the best, most well-known guide in the world to accompany me- J.C. aka- Savior-aka-redeemer - aka- Son of God. To name a few.Some of us cannot accept anything at face-value,(oh ye of little faith.)It is not in our nature to do so.And so we go kerplunking within ourselves, where we are told we may find the answers- ie, "The kingdom of God is within."Of course it's good to have fellowship- ropes, lights, helmets- all the accoutrements of safety, especially if we feel we need copious validation from others, like-minded. This aid is available to us all.But when we stand before God in spirit, we will stand alone. None of our fellows can aid us. We will stand on who we are, and what we thought and did in this lifetime. God alone knows what we seek, and why we seek it. God alone will determine the honor, or lack thereof, in that quest.Demonstrating our reasons for taking the path we take, is what you do in your article.I see in it: calm reasoning, and much hope and faith. Thank you for writing it.- Always- EllaRespond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Ella,
Thank you so much for your insightful comments to this article. You had so many valuable and important things that you shared.
If there is one area I might touch upon, in the brief amount of time I have available at the moment, it would be to emphasize that we never truly walk alone. He is always there, hearing every prayer, faithful and true! Even on that great day when we shall stand before the throne of God, Christ will stand before us and say... "Forgiven by my blood."
In the meantime, are we not on a mission? To love one another even as He loved us? Oh, to be more like the Master.
Anyway, hope all is will with you and yours.
God bless you, Ella!
Mark
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» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (227 days 19 hours ago.)
Love the tie ins. I wrote you my e-mail about this before I finished the article... Good list of things to remember - I had friends in high school who would rather be in a cave than anywhere else! MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Marijo,
I am glad that you enjoyed the article. I'll be watching for your email. I've done a bit of cave exploring myself. But, I'd rather be in the sun!
God bless you always,
Mark
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» left by Carol Allen Anfinsen(12) (227 days 15 hours ago.)
Wonderful, thought provoking article, Mark! I had heard the correct expression was "spelunking." Got it from a friend returning from Carlsbad Caverns.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Carol,
Good to hear from you again. Glad you enjoyed the article.
I stand corrected, the correct term is spelunking. I had mistakenly misread an article where spelunkers went kerplunking.
Mark
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» left by Fran Larson from Fl (Searchwarp Author) (227 days 15 hours ago.)
I like the article and how you used cave exploring as an example. Even being a Christian, it can be scary at times, but thanks to God's promises, we are never alone. Nothing else makes since in this world except God's love. Thanks for writing this.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Fran,
You are so right! Thanks to God's promises we are never alone and life makes absolutely no sense at all without His love!
Thank you for your comments.
God bless you,
Mark
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» left by Dick B. from Kihei, HI (227 days 14 hours ago.)
This is one of your best, well-worded, and meaningful articles. By the way, I haven't looked it up in the dictionary recently; but I had the impression that the term is "spelunker." Keep those cards and letters coming. God Bless, Dick B.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Dick!
Good to hear from you again. You are the second person to comment on this article who has heard of cave exploring as spelunking. I have corrected the article to reflect this. Thank you.
I always appreciate hearing from you, my friend.
Blessings,
Mark
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» left by Michelle Mackin (227 days 9 hours ago.)
Hi honey,This was a wonderful message today and I immensely enjoyed the tethering you demonstrated using Shirley and I with the Lord leading today. I love you.MichelleRespond to this comment
» left by Michelle Mackin (227 days 9 hours ago.)
I also thought it wonderful when the whole congregation read Psalm 23 together.
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» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Michelle,
I am so grateful that God tethered you to me as my wife! And, I'm also happy that you volunteered for the tethering illustration during service at church today.
I love you!
Mark
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» left by Martin Johnson (226 days 15 hours ago.)
Very good article. The analogy is excellent. I can often times want to go it alone out of pride. But I am humbled and realize it cannot be done alone.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Martin,
So glad you can identify with one of the points of the article. Thank you very much for your comments.
God bless you!
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» left by Ralph Pedersen (226 days 4 hours ago.)
I wonder where you get the time. Are you a full time writer??Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Ralph,
Well, I don't know about a "full time" writer. I don't sleep and eat. But, as a pastor I do find myself often working on material that I subsequently put into articles. But, yes... I do try to write every day.
Thanks for your comments and may God bless you.
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» left by Curtis Skaggs (225 days 15 hours ago.)
Wonderful article. God Bless you Sir.
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» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Curtis,
Thank you again, and God bless you too!
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» left by Linda DeWitt (225 days 9 hours ago.)
Great article and great lead in. Thanks for sharing. Linda DRespond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(350)
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your comments. I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
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