Lighthouses can serve as both Daymarks (on clear days) and as Beacons (at night and during storms). Either way, they accomplish what they were built to do, which is to keep mariners away from danger and/or guide them safely to shore. As lighthouses for God, Christians have also been commissioned to warn unrepentant sinners of their imminent eternal fate and light the pathway to salvation by shining the light of the Gospel at all times.

When I came across the featured image, I couldn’t help but think about the last sunset in my life. I wondered how many lives will I help steer towards Calvary’s cross before I enter eternity. Granted, not everyone who sees the light of Jesus ends up following it. Many are lured by the “other” lights of this world that offer temporary escapes, unquenching successes, and superficial emotional fixes. But, there are also those who are earnestly looking for a ray of hope that will grant them the peace and satisfaction they have been unable to find in people, places, and things.

The sun has been setting on the horizon since God separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:3-5) and countless souls have witnessed it during their lifetime. Most likely you too have had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset. For many, a sunset is synonymous with the end of a workday, a time to relax and get ready to hit the sack.

But, the time will come when we can no longer do the things we once did. Our bodies and our minds will begin to shut down in anticipation of our last twilight. Then again, we may never get to that point since tomorrow is not promised to anyone (Prov. 27:1). With that in mind, we ought to live each day as if it were our last.

Like a lighthouse, we can lead people to eternal safety in Christ any time (day or night). But, unlike these amazing centinels of the sea, we will not last as long. The only way that our light can keep shining long after we are gone depends on how bright of a legacy we leave behind. Therefore, while we are still alive, we must seize every opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Not just family members and close friends but also neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers, especially if they do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. This will most likely require some work (sacrifice) on our part. We may have to run the extra mile, turn the other cheek, swallow our pride, invest time and resources, and get out of our comfort zone.

Growing up in the Caribbean, I witnessed many breathtaking sunsets. Even now when I go to visit my parents I look forward to catching one of them by the shore. And, while I also look forward to our blessed hope (Titus 2:13), I cannot say that I’m just as eager to welcome my last sunset on earth. I think about my three young adult children whom I can still influence with my counsel and, most importantly, my example. I want to leave them a legacy of faithfulness to God and family that will serve as a light to guide them through the many stormy seas of life.

As a minister of the Gospel, I also think about the work still left to be done in God’s kingdom. Not only are there some who look up to me for guidance and support, but I know there are many more who still need to hear the Good News of Jesus while seeing it in action in and through me.

How about you? Do you want your light to shine long after you are gone? Then continue to shine brightly in your home, neighborhood, workplace, school, and wherever you go before the sun sets. Remember, there are people all around you still navigating aimlessly through oceans of pain, hopelessness, and confusion. They need to see the power of the Gospel operating in and through your life as well.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are THE light of the world, but because I have made you the Lord of my life, you have given me your light so that I too may shine. Help me to stand strong like a lighthouse so that when the challenges of life come my way I may still effectively lead the lost to your saving arms. I also ask that you help me to continue declaring your love verbally and tangibly before the sun sets permanently for me. In your precious name, I pray, Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
– Proverbs 27:1 ESV

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. – Titus 2:13 KJV

The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. – Isaiah 9:2 NASB

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. -2 Corinthians 4:6 NASB

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. – Matthew 3:43 NIV

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