The Shore Lights

Have you ever been in a violent storm?  Perhaps you have been in a boat on the sea at night.  You are trying to find safe harbor and then you see the Lighthouse and the direction you're to travel towards is sure, but making it there may be a little treacherous.  On the coastline there will be sharp coral barriers and sandbars that may run your ship aground.  You could avoid these traps if you could see them.  Life is just like what I described.  The Lighthouse shining the beam of hope to spiritual fulfillment is God's Son Jesus Christ.   But those of us who know Christ already are to be on the shore to help light the way to the Light.  I remember when I was very young, my dad's small fishing boat had lights mounted on the front of the boat pointing down into the dark water at night.  These lights would reveal rocks, hidden tree limbs and such that would potentially capsize the boat.  Christians are to be these lights to extend a friendly hand, a kind warning voice, a signal flare to those lost in the sea of life trying to find hope and help in their lives.  Hymn writer Phillip P. Bliss put this analogy to words in the Hymn, "Let The Lower Lights Be Burning."  He reminded us the true source of salvation and hope is God the Father, but "to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore."  Let's actively work together to be instruments of God's Light to help pull others to safety from the reefs of sin to the Savior.