Imagine the fear felt of walking on unlit streets in
London 1750. Puddles, uneven roads, animals and criminals – all unseen hazards.
According to the website www.intriguing-history.com/gas-lights-lamplighters: The early lamplighters carried ladders, wick trimmers and whale oil. Setting out just before dusk, dressed in hat and coat, with a cheery whistle or song to let the public know that they were in the vicinity, they undertook their essential role – lighting up the night - then returning at dawn to extinguish the lamps. The lamplighters also acted as night watchmen and were for the most part considered very steady, trustworthy men. They took great pride in their position. There were even generations of lamplighter families, where the job was passed from father to son. Lamplighter families were a close knit group of proud individuals. In all, they performed a very important role in the city and brought some measure of reassurance and safety to the people who lived there.
What a difference it must have made to people with
reduced fear in the community and more opportunities for business at night. Probably
life changing for some. We can be an usher
of light in that same life changing way as we share Jesus with others.
I
was privileged to attend a Global Pastors Network Conference in 2004 where the
keynote speaker was Dr. James Kennedy. He shared a unique look at Jesus’ first
commandment and His last:
FIRST
- “Come, follow me” Matt 4:19
LAST
- “Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations.” Matt 28:19
Then
Dr. Kennedy asked us this question – “Are these two commandments the
controlling passion of your life?”
For
a moment let’s put aside the commandments and focus on the phrase - “Controlling
Passion”. Do I even have a controlling passion? Do you? What would that be or
look like? When I have questions like this I go to the dictionary to define the
words and hopefully expand my understanding. Here are the results for Control
& Passion:
Control:
1. To exercise authoritative or dominating
influence over
2. To adjust to a requirement
Passion:
1. Strong or powerful emotion
2. A state of desire or love
3. Boundless enthusiasm
Now,
to the commandments. The first commandment
is about living every day for Jesus.
Choices, time, money, conduct, speech, thought…. Being Christ-like. When
we make that commitment to follow Him we enter into a life of honor; living to
honor Him in our thoughts, words and deeds. The last commandment is about
sharing the love of Christ with others then taking the time to make a
disciple. Sharing Jesus and having a
moment with someone where they give their life to Jesus is a short period of
time. Making a disciple can take time. Jesus spent three years with His disciples. He
didn’t tell us to make believers but instead make disciples.
So
now, let’s ask ourselves the question incorporating these new definitions and
expanded understanding – “Am I living to honor my commitment to Jesus’ ways of
living and do I choose to make sharing His good news be the dominating
influence of my life and do I have a strong desire to meet these long term requirements
with boundless enthusiasm because of my love for Jesus?”
Dr.
Kenney related living with a controlling passion for these two commandments like
the life of a lamplighter. They were passionate about their role, passed on the
importance of their task to generations, and altered their lives to work at
night to light the lamps for their community. Jesus is asking us to do the same
as we follow Him and make disciples.
Reading
devotionals can be uplifting but they don’t do us much good if the
encouragement is left in that moment. Today I’d like to offer a challenge to
help move us from a momentary response to this story to a life shift:
Challenge:
What two things you need to alter in your life so you can answer YES! to Dr.
Kennedy’s question and Jesus’ commandments. Choose one thing for each commandment. You may
have to start by thinking about how you fall short, what holds you back, then name
the opposite behavior/attitude.
“You
are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father
in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
**Lord, thank you for inviting me to follow
you. Thank you for trusting me to make disciples. Sometimes I fall short in
living every day as you would. Sometimes I’m not the best at keeping my commitment
to help guide others to live every day as you would. Forgive me and help me see how I can do
better. You have said I am the light of the world. Today, I dedicate myself to
be a lamplighter for you. Ignite in me a controlling passion to be the light
for others in my community**
Click here for link to LAMPLIGHTER FESTIVAL LONDON
