Originally built in 1820 the Sapelo Island Lighthouse is the second oldest brick lighthouse in the U.S. It sits 5 miles off the coast of Georgia on an island with a remarkably rich history. The tower was damaged by a strong hurricane in 1898 and remained inactive for 93 years. It was finally restored to its 1890 appearance in 1998 and the lantern room, which had been dark for almost a century, was finally relit with a modern light and lens.

Man was created in the image and likeness of God. He was clothed with the glorious light of his Creator and enjoyed a complete and unobstructed intimate relationship with Him. But then sin came in like a mighty hurricane and completely destroyed that relationship bringing death and spiritual darkness into the soul of man. From then on and for thousands of years man could only experience forgiveness and be restored unto his Creator through ceremonial laws. It wasn’t until God himself (in the person of Jesus) came to earth to ransom man from the inherited darkness of sin that man was able to once again enjoy complete intimacy with his Creator and begin to reflect the glorious light of his salvation.

Like all other lighthouses, the Sapelo Island Lighthouse was built to shine and to guide mariners to safety. Unfortunately, due to the damaging effects of a mighty storm, it could no longer function as intended. In like manner, we were also created to shine the light of Christ and guide others to His saving arms. However, sin, no matter how big or small, has the power to dim that light and cause us to become ineffective in God’s kingdom. Fortunately, just as the Sapelo Island Lighthouse was completely restored to its original state and continue to radiate its life-saving light, we too can be completely restored and once again shine the light of God to a dark and lost world. Our restoration, however, does not come from the hands of man, but from the hand of God through the expiatory work of Jesus on the Cross.

Have you allowed sin to break your fellowship with God? Has it dimmed God’s light in you and prevent you from becoming a beacon of hope to others? This is the perfect time to confess your transgression to God the Father. Plead the saving blood of God the Son and let God the Holy Spirit restore His joy and strength in you so that you may continue to shine for His glory.

Prayer: Gracious God, search my heart and remove any sin I have allowed to dim your light in me. Restore and renew my soul that I man once again commune with you and continue to radiate the light of your salvation to a lost and dying world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

SCRIPTURES
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” -Genesis 1:27

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” -Isaiah 59:2

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” -1 John 1:19

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.” -Joel 2:25-26

 -All Scripture is quoted from the NIV except where specified.