We do not like being in dangerous places, facing difficult circumstances, or anticipating the potential of destructive outcomes. The events of this past year have highlighted the discomfort such elements produce. The nation has faced a pandemic, political unrest, financial chaos, and the emotional fallout that has left people unsettled. One thing is certain. People do not like the place they are in currently. How many have fantasized about being in another place at in a time like this?
Would a place like this fit with your
fantasy? A five-acre rock island 26 miles off the coast of Maine. Former
inhabitants had soil brought out in bushel baskets in the spring and summer to
pack into the clefts of the rocks so a few flowers could be planted to give the
desolate place a touch of garden color. Storms
that pound the area are so massive that waves sweep over the entire island, and
even structures at times, with a force that can move 75-ton boulders – not to
mention the tiny flower gardens packed into the rocky crevices! On top of this,
residents living there were occasionally cut off from any physical contact with
another human for as much as a month due to storms in the region.
Since August 25, 1830, this place was home
to numerous families. In later years the Coast Guard took over the role of
manning the lighthouse because there was a need for such a place as this. From
this place nautical interests were warned of danger, provided direction, and
offered assistance. Coast Guard keepers were ultimately removed from the post when
the station was automated in late 1977. The place is still needed, but
technology has replaced the human presence.
The human element, however, is needed in
the storms entering people’s lives. The wisest of all men according to his
contemporaries was Solomon. He made a keen observation about life when he
wrote, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other
succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who
falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can
keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone
can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three
are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes
4:9-12). Society has applauded rugged individualism but created a culture of
loneliness. The CDC reports that the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine found “more than one-third of adults aged 45 and
older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are
considered to be socially isolated.” Often the individual one allows to enter their
life is the “lighthouse” they need in their life’s journey.
Perspective sometimes is lost as one faces
life. It is sometimes restored when another person becomes the “lighthouse” in
those dark times or a stormy environment. In the wisdom literature of the Bible
we read, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of
adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). How often does one’s understanding become clouded,
and another person shines a “beam of clarification” suggesting a reality that
had been overlooked? Such is the case when Paul had to confront his fellow apostle
and friend Peter with his hypocrisy. He had become fearful of other’s opinions
of him. Paul testifies, “I
had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong” (Galatians 2:11).
The “beam of light” in the form of a rebuke of a loving friend corrected Peter’s
hypocritical distortion.
Sometimes a person is a “lighthouse” of
comfort and confirmation to a person who is unclear about life’s direction. The
writer of Proverbs 27:9 concludes “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as
sweet as perfume and incense.” How many times has a person floundering in
uncertainty and confusion been encouraged by an affirmation or direction from another’s
insight? Johann Wolfgang von Goethe issues
a great reminder, “Instruction does much, but encouragement everything."
Encourage more; preach less.
Jesus made it clear to his disciples that
they were to be “lighthouses” of sorts in Matthew 5:14-16 saying they were the
“light of the world.” What is desperately needed in these days are “lighthouses”
of hope. Remember that lighthouses are not placed in comfortable, safe places.
They are placed where they can impact those whose lives are in real need. They
are positioned for service not convenience.
Off the coast of Massachusetts there is
another impressive lighthouse. Minot's Ledge Light has for over 150 years fulfilled
its mission. It beams out its flashing light in a 1-4-3 flashing pattern. Soon observers noted the pattern contained
the same numerical count as the words "I love you." Whereupon the
lighthouse was popularly called the "I love you" light. That is a
message that God beams out to our world in chaos. It is the same message that He
expects His followers to signal to a world in need of hope. They are designed
for such a place – right where they are – to shine their lights declaring this
hopeful message.
