“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14
Lighthouses were not a common thing growing up in the midwest. There were probably some around the Great Lakes, but I never visited them. Most of what I knew about them was from reading and Thomas Kinkade paintings. Since then, I've had the privilege of seeing a few on both coasts and hope to visit many more. While largely replaced by GPS, they still represent a symbol of strength and safety. Their light guided thousands of ships with their people and cargo into sheltered harbors. It required the dedication of lightkeepers suffering many hardships to maintain these lights so others might find their way. To become a lighthouse keeper, you first needed to serve as an apprentice to learn the duties.
Jesus intends our lives to be lighthouses. We are to shine so the whole world can find its way to safety. The Holy Spirit helps us maintain our spiritual light; through the study of scripture, we clean our lens, and in our prayers, we wash our windows. God provides us strength when we tire to keep the lamp burning bright. We are apprentices to Jesus, who, through his example, teaches us how to perform our duties.
Unlike lighthouses, we are not stationary. In an ordinary world, we come into contact daily with others. Our light needs to shine as brightly when we are in public as in our homes and churches. We need to be mobile lighthouses! Imagine a lighthouse in a flatbed truck, everywhere we go shining the light of Christ.
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the light sent to us in Jesus. Please help us as we serve to be lights to others. Let our lives become the vessels that glorify you. May our lights shine in the darkness that we might lead others to your safety. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
If you like southern gospel music, there is a song by Ronny Hinson called The Lighthouse that you may enjoy. There are several versions of it on YouTube, but this one has the lyrics, and the legendary Happy Goodman Family joins Hinson.
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