Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
When I lived at Caswell, one of my favorite things was the Oak Island lighthouse. Four beams of light would sweep across those hallowed grounds. Four one-second flashes every 10 seconds. They were constant and consistent—light you could always depend on.
The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 at a total cost of $110,000. When first activated, the Oak Island Lighthouse was the brightest in the US and second brightest in the world. The lights stand 169 feet above the water. There is no spiral staircase as in most older lighthouses, but instead, a series of ships’ ladders. I had the opportunity to go to the top of the lighthouse using those ladders. It is a vertical ascent not designed for anyone scared of heights. It was an incredible experience with an amazing view. I’ve also been several miles offshore in a fishing boat, and it was equally as amazing to see those four beams of light…still constant, still consistent.
I thought about the lighthouse when I was reading these words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. “You are the light of the world.” In 2004, the lighthouse and the surrounding property were deeded to the Town of Caswell Beach. Caswell Beach now preserves the lighthouse and the grounds, but the US Coast Guard maintains the lights since they are still an active aid to boats and ships in that area. Isn’t that interesting? They own the lighthouse, but not the light. The light is provided. The structure’s job is to stand firm in the place where it calls home and share the light. Sounds a lot like what we are called to do with Jesus, the light of the world. We are the structure, the vessel, and He provides the light.
What are we doing this week to allow Jesus to be our light? To maintain our light? Have we read the Word? Have we spent time in prayer? There is someone we will meet this week that needs us to shine the light of Jesus in their direction. Let’s be light.
Prayer: God, make us salty. Shine your light in and through us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Aaron
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