Brandt (not his real name) taught me, a Capetonian, something about lighthouses. He wrote: 

Vacationing in Simons Town, I learnt something about lighthouses and that is that every lighthouse around the world has a specific signal. Certain lighthouses’ lights take longer than others to complete a cycle. 

So, when you look at a map, the map shows you exactly which lighthouse is close to you, because the map tells you how long the light takes to go around. 

That is to say, the purpose of lighthouses is not only to indicate danger, but also to show the captain of the vessel where he is at that point and then he can decide what direction to take next.  

We all know that Jesus is the light. Jesus shines His light into our lives so that we can see the dark spots and make sure that the deeds of darkness are eliminated from our lives. 

But Jesus is also a direction indicator for us like lighthouses. If we follow Jesus’ light, we know we are heading in the right direction. Then we won’t crash and fall on the dark roads. 

Like our Master, we must also be the light for others. Shine the light on their deeds of darkness. Many people don’t even know that they’re doing things that could hurt them spiritually. That’s why we need to show them the light so they can see what they’re doing wrong. 

But we also need to show them the right direction to go. Our way of life and the direction we’re going must draw others closer to the true Light. 

Do our lives and actions shine brightly enough to do that? 

9-11Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness. 

GP’s light story further illustrates this: 

One evening, I walked into a dark hall with the big light in the foyer shining behind me. I bumped into chairs and tables because my body cast a dark shadow in the hall. 

Coming back, facing the light, I noticed every chair and obstacle. 

Let God’s light be our beacon, leading the way. Let us not walk in darkness by placing Him behind us. 

Walk in Jesus’ light. Be the light for others and point the way and don’t let your life cast a shadow over your path or that of others. 

Scripture
1 John 2:3-9 

Reflection
Are you living in Jesus’ light?
Are you shining a light in other people’s dark lives?
Do you show the way? 

Prayer
Jesus, Your light is the only one I want to follow. I want to be the light for others and show them the way. Amen.