Let the Lower Lights Be Burning
For many years Christians have sung the old hymn, Let the Lower Lights Be Burning, which is often prefaced by an explanation of what is meant by lower lights. Details vary, but the inspiration for the song centers around a shipwreck that took place in Cleveland Harbor. Though the lighthouse was visible, the lower lights which drew attention to the dangers of the craggy shoreline were not; as a result, the ship and most of its passengers sank into a watery grave. Moved by this story, hymnist Philip P. Bliss penned admonitory words to the people of God:
Brightly beams our Father’s mercy
From His lighthouse evermore,
But to us He gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.
Bliss’s lyrics echo a message found throughout the pages of God’s word, reaching its crescendo in what the Lord described as the second greatest command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Prior to delivering this teaching, Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest command?” In reply, He stated, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (vs. 37). Knowing that loving one’s neighbor cannot be divorced from loving God, Jesus paired these two teachings, demonstrating a way in which the greatest command is displayed.
Interestingly, the Bible is filled with lower lights. Consider Abraham’s faithful servant Eleazar, who sought a wife for his master’s son; Boaz, who proved a true kinsman for Ruth and Naomi; Barzillai, who provided for King David as he fled his son’s rebellion; the women at the tomb, who willingly volunteered to care for the body of Jesus; Prisca and Aquila, who “risked their necks” for Paul (Romans 16:3-4); the mother of Rufus, who was also a mother to Paul. So many others could be added to the list, yet these illustrate people who briefly crossed the Bible stage as they sought to do good for others.
The need for lower lights did not end with the Bible’s completion. In Bliss’ poetic words, there is always, “Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed.” Because of this, the apostle Paul admonished the people of God to “be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). The biblical concept of kindness always involves concrete action; therefore, God’s lower lights are always busy in the service of others.
Becoming a lower light is not passive; it requires seeking out opportunities to serve. Most people, for whatever reason, will not freely volunteer that they are in need. Therefore, lower lights do not simply say, “if there’s anything I can do…” and then go on their way; they seek out and fulfill what is needed. As in all worthy pursuits, time and effort will be required. Lower lights are as busy as everyone else, yet they do not allow their busyness to serve as an excuse; time is allotted to help others. They understand that part of “laying up treasures in Heaven” involves putting others first.
Lower lights have shone brightly in the past ten months. Meals were taken to those suffering from COVID-19 and other sicknesses; multiple expressions of sympathy and concern were given to those who lost friends and family to death; friendship was extended to those dealing with loneliness due to quarantines; the Gospel was shared with those in need of Jesus Christ. It is likely that few besides the recipients of these kind acts knew what took place since lower lights seek to glorify God and not selves. This is the way it should be: “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:2-3). God will reward those who quietly go about their work of doing good.
With the year 2021 in its infancy, it is a good time for self-evaluation. It is important for each to ask, “Have I been a lower light?” If the answer to this question is yes, praise God! Build on the godly foundation already laid and seek out new opportunities to be of service. If the answer is no, it is time for a change. Pay better attention to announcements about sickness; watch for fellow-Christians who are showing signs of spiritual weakness; look for opportunities to encourage younger members; seek opportunities to be a friend to the lonely; provide financial assistance for those who are struggling; provide financial assistance in spreading the Gospel. Opportunities abound! Seek out these opportunities and take decisive action. May each take the words of the apostle Paul to heart: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 5:9-10). Seek. Shine. Glorify God.
Let the lower lights be burning!
Send a gleam across the wave!
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
