Two vertical beams of light scan the night skies. As one journeys east the other moves west. On their return trip, they retrace the paths and eventually cross one another. This is the point of origin. This cross of lights marks where the beams begin.
Searchlights have been used for nearly a century to attract the public to grand events. As the logo of a well-known movie production company illustrates, searchlights are key to glamorous Hollywood movie premieres. They can also be found illuminating lesser events such as supermarket openings and used car sales. Lights arouse the curious. People flock to see—to be a part of—the extravaganza.
Advertising, however, was not the original function for searchlights. They were developed for warfare. The practice of night air raids had become an effective military tactic of World War I. Intended to catch troops and civilians by surprise, these bombings rendered victims defenseless and vulnerable.
Elmer A Sperry, electrical genius and entrepreneur, invented a portable anti-aircraft weapon, the Open-Type searchlight, to illuminate the night skies. Enemy aircraft caught in the arc of a rotating beam were exposed—made targets so that ground forces could bring them down. The high-intensity lights also blinded the pilots and gunners and made the bombing objectives made virtually invisible.
We, as Christians, are called to be “searchlights” in the world. With wide-arcing beams we’re called to signal the attention of others. We are to draw people to the great spectacle, the grand event that is the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
Jesus described Himself as the Light of the World (John 8:12); He transferred that title to His followers (Matthew 5:14). Jesus expected His disciples to share, through teaching and life example, all He had instructed them. Followers who live an abundant life of joy—through prosperity as well as tragedy—draw attention. Disciples who serve mankind garner greater admiration than those who serve and promote self. Believers who preach good news signal hope to the weary and lost.
Yet how often is the light used to bring others down? We see people living in darkness, without direction, drifting aimlessly off course. Convinced our beacons will illuminate their path, we shine the light of truth. But it’s an intense light, exposing rather than guiding. Weaknesses are divulged and then targeted. The harsh glare of our light blinds. The lost turn away. The very people Jesus wants drawn to Him are repelled.
The prophet Isaiah told the nation of Judah that they too were lights in a dark world. They were exiles returned to the Promised Land, anxious for the restoration of their country and the leadership of the long-promised Messiah. Instead, they found frustration and misguidance at every turn. Reestablished in their homeland, they felt defeated.
“Wake up, people,” Isaiah encouraged. “The Lord has saved you! Share what you know about His goodness and faithfulness with the dark world. He has burst over you like beams of sunshine. You carry His warmth and brightness; you can break through the darkness covering this world. You are His sunshine. People who live in gloom throughout the world will be drawn to your re-invigorating light” (Isaiah 60:1 – 4 paraphrase).
Isaiah’s ancient words bear the same impact for God’s people today. You are God’s sunshine in this dark world. You know His salvation, His goodness, His faithfulness. You carry His light to break through the doom and gloom that remains in this world. How does your searchlight shine? Are you a blinding glare that diverts attention? Do you home in on the weaknesses of those around you? Or are you searching for the lost, beckoning with a soft, warm light? Will those who need Jesus be drawn to Him because of the light you cast?
No comments:
Post a Comment