A few years ago, while my family was staying at the Grand Canyon Village for a couple of nights, I walked out the canyon rim to get a view of all the stars that night. With hardly any lights on in the area, it was spectacular. I saw stars I'd never seen before! However, as I walked back to our room, I had to walk through a wooded area, and even though I had my cellphone with its light, I began to imagine all sorts of critters watching me in the dark. When I swept my light around and saw a number of deer all around me, it was both really cool and kinda scary. That's when I began to see the lighting at our accommodations on the other side of the woods. Those lights were like a beacon encouraging me to come to them for safe harbor! They were a welcome sight!
In the same way, the church is like a streetlight in a dark world. Our purpose is to shine brightly, illuminating the path to Christ for those around us. Just as the streetlight’s role is crucial in providing light and safety to the neighborhood, our church’s role is vital in bringing the light of Christ to our community. When we fulfill this purpose, we not only guide others but also transform the darkness around us into a place of hope and direction.
Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:12-16--Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. (CSB)
In John's vision, Jesus is seen walking among seven golden lampstands, which represent local churches. This imagery is deeply symbolic, drawing us back to the golden lampstand in the Tabernacle, which pointed to the Tree of Life and God’s sustaining presence among His people. Just as the lampstand’s light in the Tabernacle illuminated the Bread of Presence, so too, the church's light should illuminate Christ, the Bread of Life.
The purpose of the church is clear: we are to be lights shining in the darkness, pointing others to the hope found in Jesus through the Gospel. This requires intentionality. Just as the priests tended to the lampstand, making sure it never went out, we must tend to our spiritual lives and our churches, ensuring that our light remains bright. This light is not just for us—it’s for the world around us. That's the essence of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). We are strategically placed in our community for a purpose, to shine God’s truth and love.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways is your church shining the light of Christ? How can it better fulfill its role as a beacon of hope and truth in the community?
Consider how your church, like a streetlight, shines in your community. Is the church lighting the way for others to see and find Christ? How can we ensure that our light continues to burn brightly, bringing hope and guidance to those around us?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, You have called us to be a light in this world. Strengthen our church, that we may shine brightly for You. Help us to fulfill the purpose You have given us, and guide us to be a beacon of hope, truth, and love in our community. Amen.