Human Lighthouse

In the great state of North Carolina, there are seven unique structures that are different on the outside, but nearly the same on the inside. Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, Currituck Beach, Oak Island, Ocracoke, and Old Baldy are the names of North Carolina’s seven oceanic lighthouses. Through many storms, repairs, and natural shifting of shoreline, all seven lighthouses still stand tall today. Ocracoke is the only lighthouse you can’t climb to the top of, and that’s because it’s still in service as the oldest operating lighthouse in the state! If you paid attention in 4th grade (that’s when I learned about the history of North Carolina), you learned about these lighthouses and were told that they were navigational beacons of light built to warn boats of dangerous areas near the shoreline. If you’re ever on a boat at night near the shore, you will really appreciate a lighthouse…as long as it’s shining.

The first lighthouse on Earth was actually human, and his name was Jesus. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” He says again in John 9:5. “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Jesus was and is the original hope, truth, and light, and He wants us to carry it on. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Our call to shine is further revealed in Ephesians 5:8, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

We are more than breathing specimens; we are human lighthouses. If you love Jesus, you are equipped with His light and His love. There is plenty of darkness in our world, but it can’t overcome the light. Just like North Carolina’s lighthouses, we are all different on the outside, but the same on the inside. Life will brew storms, but lighthouses stand tall. Be the lighthouse that steers away danger (sin) and leads the way to the greatest lighthouse we have ever known (Jesus). What good is a lighthouse that won’t shine?

-Jacob

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