The Keeper's Log
Did you know that lighthouses can be recognized in two ways? The first is by their beacon. Each lighthouse has a distinct beacon signature which is recorded in a book distributed to mariners. By observing the light, sailors can determine which lighthouse it is by timing the duration of the light and the intermittent blinking. For example, a light might be set to be on for three seconds, off for two, on for three and off for ten. Some lights don’t blink at all and some use red and green lights often in combination with the clear light.
Painting lighthouses in a variety of ways was done to make them recognizable during the daylight hours. Using horizontal or diagonal bands and different color schemes, lighthouses could be easily recognized as a day-mark. Only coastal lighthouses were painted as day-marks and for the most part these are along the Atlantic shoreline from Fire Island, NY to the Florida Keys. Again by observing the various paint schemes of the lighthouse, comparing that to the record, sailors could orient themselves and safely navigate their vessel.
As followers of Christ, we are told to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Jesus also told His followers that they would be His witnesses beginning close to home and then to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Paul writes to the church at Corinth to remind them that as Christ’s ambassadors, we have been entrusted with the message and ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) This truth comes to us over and over again in the Bible that we are to take the message of salvation, the gospel into all the world, that each of us is a missionary.
I want to encourage you to let your light shine, share the good news, be a beacon of hope. I also want to remind you that even when you are not saying anything, you are to be a witness. A lighthouse can be recognized not only by its light, but by its appearance. Your words and your actions must be consistent. As others observe your actions and hear your words, if they were to check these in “the Book” what would find? Would they see that your “day-mark” and your “light” were consistent with each other? Would they be able to identify you as a follower of the “True Light”? Would they recognize the characteristics of a disciple of Jesus? Would they see the fruit of the Spirit and hear a message of hope? Would they see Christ in you?
Let us strive to be consistent in our witness by both word and deed.
Serving our Lord together with you, Pastor Jerry
2011 Lead Pastor's Annual Report