Last week, we talked about Jesus as the “light of the world”, and we discussed how the image of a lighthouse can often remind us of our Saviour. For me, this is only one part of the picture, because elsewhere in scripture, we are told to be lights. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14-16.) Does this mean we are to be lighthouses too?
Our church has a wonderful heart for evangelism, and following the service on the last Sunday of each month, members go out on the streets of our town to share God’s love and the good news of the gospel. Those they chat to are invited to join us for a slap up Sunday roast, where we hope they will form new friendships amongst our church family, and most importantly, they will meet Jesus – the greatest friend of all. That is just one way of shining his light.
Now I must confess that I am not one of those who goes out onto the streets evangelising. I am not confident chatting to strangers. Instead, I am part of a prayer team who cover those who are going out, and pray for the hearts of those they encounter to be softened. Perhaps you wouldn’t be confident preaching on the streets either. Yet, there are so many ways we can spread the good news.
Some of us enjoy writing as a way of expressing our love for Jesus. Others do so with art or crafts. If you enjoy baking, sharing a meal with someone in need is a wonderful way of saying: “Jesus loves you.” If you are more of a one on one kind of person, as am I, then I can assure you there will still be opportunities to witness as we spend quality time with family and friends.
The main thing is that as we shine our lights, we don’t want people following us. That would be a big mistake. Our lights are dim at best when compared to the light of Jesus. We are flawed human beings, still struggling in a sinful world, but he is perfect, and will never disappoint.
As I think back to Portland Bill, I learned that each lighthouse has its own clear signal. This is formed by the number of flashes per minute, and is a navigation aid for those out at sea. Sailors instantly know they are approaching Portland Bill. It is a fixed signal. But is the signal I am giving for my Lord as clear? Or do I send out confused and mixed messages. We have such a responsibility to present the gospel in all its fullness, not adding to it or taking anything away.
We are living in a world of confusion. People struggle to know right from wrong. Truth has become relative. The only way we can ensure we don’t send out the wrong message is to stay close to Jesus by reading his word and spending time with him in prayer. The Bible is the infallible word of God. Every detail is there for our instruction. It is our road map, or guide book. It is the most important tool we need when shining our lights, and leading others to Jesus.
It’s not always easy to share our faith in today’s dark world. WE may feel people don’t want to hear our message, but if a friend was drowning, wouldn’t you want to help them? We have such a powerful message of hope to share with a world that is becoming increasingly hopeless. We don’t have to be harsh, or to alienate people in our sharing. After all, we are taking a message of love from the one who loves them so much he gave his life for them.
Having visited a lighthouse and climbed all the way to the top, I was interested in learning about the glass that surrounds the bulb. I believe it’s commonly referred to as the lens. While I didn’t understand all the technical details, I got the idea that this is there to amplify the light. The thicker the lens, the further the light shines. The aim seems to be to make the light as far-reaching as possible. I felt convicted by this, because surely this should also be our goal as Christians – to amplify the message of the gospel and make it as far reaching as possible. Since Jesus is the light, perhaps we are like the lenses. The more of us who are active in spreading the gospel, the further it will go.
If there is a crack in the lens, or dirt on the windows, then the amount of light going out into the night sky would be reduced. So, if you or I keep our lights hidden under a bowl, then we are missing out on being a part of God’s wonderful work of hope and love here on earth. We are living in a sinful world, and we cannot help but be affected by it, or even drawn in on occasions, but it’s sobering to consider how others are watching the way we live. Are we being good ambassadors for Jesus?
The children at our church love singing “This Little Light Of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine!” It’s easy for us adults to join in and do all the actions, but do we ever stop and consider what we’re singing? Do we pause to ask our Lord if we are shining our lights adequately for him, or is there something else he’d like us to be doing? Our individual lights may seem little, but together, we can flood the dark night sky and make an impact for Jesus
I loved your song this week. I really like charlie Landsburra.
I’ll have to play more of him in the future.