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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Monday, June 23, 2003 "Daymarks and Night Lights" |
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Frontline Devotion for Monday, June 23, 2003 By Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
I just returned from vacation to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. We had fabulous weather and it was the perfect amount of time to be away. The house that we stay in is located about 5 miles from the Cape Hatteras Light House. That lighthouse is extremely famous for numerous reasons- most recently for the civil engineering miracle of 1999. In 1999, the lighthouse was literally moved about half a mile away from the ocean because the beach was shrinking. We were there the day they began the move, but didn’t actually see it move.
We were at the lighthouse on at least 3 occasions this trip. There were 2 kids programs- one on turtles and the other to make a t-shirt. On the third trip we visited the visitor center where we heard the ranger tell my kids- the candy cane stripe on the lighthouse is called the daymark because during the day it tells sailors which lighthouse they are near. Other lighthouses have their own unique daymarks. For example, Ocracoke is all white. At night, the light signal for Hatteras lighthouse is different from all lighthouses, thus the sailor on the sea can distinguish where they are at night.
My wife commented on how amazing it is that a technological innovation is still relevant and useful in this high tech era.
I also took my two daughters up the 257 step, 12 story lighthouse and looked out at the horizon. It was fun for us to be as tall as the lighthouse. You simply could see great beauty. You could see things you never could see without being lifted to great heights. I know that the stay on top of the lighthouse was only temporary. But, I do recall how Jesus said to his followers, “you are the light of the world”. When Jesus said that, he wasn’t telling them that they were the center of the universe. He was reminding them that they each had a profound witness to share with the world and that he was going to illumine their lives. I think back to the lighthouse image and I recall that in it’s early existence there was a full time caretaker of the lighthouse. The lighthouse had to be operational every day of the year and thus it needed constant attention. So too it is with us. The spirit of God lives in us and seeks to illumine us day and night. When that happens- we will rejoice and others will see our joy.
You are the light of the world. Ponder this day a question I have been asking myself - What are the daymarks I want to show the world? What kind of light do I give off in the darkness of the world?
Prayer: Lord God, you are the constant supplier of life giving energy. You mark us by day and night with your unique illumination. Work with us. Give us your perspective. Help us to see clearly your purpose for our lives. Let us share the light of Jesus with others as we go about our work this day. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.