Take heed all ye who pass by

 

Just off the south-west coast of the island of Jersey sits a lighthouse called La Corbière. One of its fascinating features is that there is a path linking the lighthouse to the coast, which can only be used at low tide. When the sea rises, the path is completely covered, leaving the lighthouse inaccessible and isolated in the sea.

Visitors to La Corbière will notice that at the start of the path out to the lighthouse there is a sign, which reads:

IN MEMORY OF

PETER EDWIN LARBALESTIER

ASSISTANT KEEPER AT CORBIÈRE LIGHTHOUSE.

WHO, ON 28TH MAY 1946 GAVE HIS LIFE

IN ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE A VISITOR

CUT OFF BY THE INCOMING TIDE.

TAKE HEED ALL YE WHO PASS BY.

This sign challenges the reader to “take heed” of two things: first, take heed of the danger of being cut off by the rising tide, and second, take heed of the honourable man who died to save a stranger. Likewise, the gospel message requires a twofold taking heed by us: of the danger that we are in, and of the blessed Man Who died to save us from it.

The Bible warns that “your iniquities have separated between you and your God” Isaiah 59.2. As the visitor was cut off from land and stranded on the causeway, we too are in a perilous place: distant from God and from Heaven! The visitor, and the careless choices she made, put her in a treacherous position, where death was almost certain. The Bible clearly states that “the wages of sin is death” Romans 6.23, and that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” Hebrews 9.27. How terrifying for a soul, to be dragged down by sin, to land in Hell, and to be lost for eternity!

The situation likely looked hopeless for the visitor, but there was a courageous soul on dry land who was willing to risk all to rescue her. The young, 34-year-old assistant keeper of the lighthouse, Peter Edwin Larbalestier, left his comfort and braved the waves to attempt a rescue. Tragically, while swimming in the turbulent waters, he was dashed against the rocks and killed. His last ever act was one of sacrifice.

We remember that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” 2Peter 3.9, and that He would “have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” 1Timothy 2.4. There was One Who saw a sinner like me in danger, and desired to save me: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” 1Timothy 1.15, and it was not that Christ risked His precious life, but He did much more: He knowingly, lovingly and willingly “gave Himself for me” Galatians 2.20! On the cross, the darkness, tempest, and turmoil of sin was borne by Him, and through His suffering and death, we may live!

The Man of Calvary not only conquered sin, but also defeated death and the grave, and rose again from the dead. When a soul rests on Him, he or she is saved. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3.16.

Let us sing of the love of the Lord,

As now to the cross we draw nigh;

Let us sing to the praise of the God of all grace,

For the love that gave Jesus to die.

Like the sign at La Corbière, we urge you, as you “pass by”, to “take heed” to the grave danger that you are in, of perishing in your sins, and to “take heed” to the Saviour, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who willingly laid down His life at Calvary that you might be rescued. Put your trust in Him, and receive His great salvation today.

Used by kind permission of Assembly Testimony

All photos courtesy of unsplash and individuals