Just off the bay in Newport, Oregon stands the “Yaquina Bay Lighthouse”. Believed to be the oldest building in town, it is certainly one of the prettiest (Google it if you are interested). It is also happens to be the only lighthouse on the Oregon coast that has the light attached to the Keeper’s house.
One other thing about the “Yaquina Bay Lighthouse” that makes it interesting is that it was shut down after only three years of service. It was built in 1871 and it was decommissioned in 1873. Why? Did they have a fire? No. Did a storm damage the lighthouse? No. Did they decide that they did not need a lighthouse? No.
In fact, it was shut down because the light could not be seen. More accurately, the light could not be seen by ships that were travelling south down the coast. The headlands just north of the bay stuck out into the ocean in such a way that they blocked the sightlines and made the lighthouse ineffective. To remedy the situation, the original lighthouse was closed and a new one was built out on the headlands (it is called the “Yaquina Head Lighthouse” and it is still being used). The “Yaquina Bay Lighthouse” is now a very nice tourist attraction in a very nice State park, but it does not give light or help guide those who need it.
In Matthew 5, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (verses 14-16).
The simple lesson: A lighthouse has only one job and that is to shine a light in a way that is can be seen and recognized. If it does not do that, then it is not a useful lighthouse. You can paint it and maintain it and make it look pretty, but it has to shine. Similarly, Christians can study and know a lot, but unless we are living our faith and the light of Christ is shining in us and through us, then our effort is useless.
However, when lighthouses (and Christians) shine, they can be surprisingly helpful and effective.
“You are the light of the world”.
One other thing about the “Yaquina Bay Lighthouse” that makes it interesting is that it was shut down after only three years of service. It was built in 1871 and it was decommissioned in 1873. Why? Did they have a fire? No. Did a storm damage the lighthouse? No. Did they decide that they did not need a lighthouse? No.
In fact, it was shut down because the light could not be seen. More accurately, the light could not be seen by ships that were travelling south down the coast. The headlands just north of the bay stuck out into the ocean in such a way that they blocked the sightlines and made the lighthouse ineffective. To remedy the situation, the original lighthouse was closed and a new one was built out on the headlands (it is called the “Yaquina Head Lighthouse” and it is still being used). The “Yaquina Bay Lighthouse” is now a very nice tourist attraction in a very nice State park, but it does not give light or help guide those who need it.
In Matthew 5, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (verses 14-16).
The simple lesson: A lighthouse has only one job and that is to shine a light in a way that is can be seen and recognized. If it does not do that, then it is not a useful lighthouse. You can paint it and maintain it and make it look pretty, but it has to shine. Similarly, Christians can study and know a lot, but unless we are living our faith and the light of Christ is shining in us and through us, then our effort is useless.
However, when lighthouses (and Christians) shine, they can be surprisingly helpful and effective.
“You are the light of the world”.
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