Jeremy L. Berg

On a prayer walk last night around midnight I was walking down the boardwalk connecting the public docks near the center of the town. The breeze was light, and there was lightning flashing on the western horizon — a beautiful display of light-works for a soul awaiting my own enlightenment.

I found a large boulder by the harbor with a perfect view of the lightning flashes.  I sat down to pray. As I began to pray over this town, my mind was captured by a strong visual reminder of the spiritual state of this town. I looked at the harbor and saw dozens and dozens of empty dock slips. (I know it’s early spring and people haven’t put their boats in, but these particular dock slips sit largely empty all summer long.)

There are many souls still lost at sea, being tossed to and fro, looking for some safe harbor and a lighthouse to guide them in.  I thought of all of these dock slips built ahead of time, perfectly measured to fit each boat, and waiting to be filled with boats. They looked so sad and lonely, so empty and incomplete.

I’m reminded of when Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them, and that there are many rooms in the Father’s house waiting for the faithful to take up residence.  The message is clear: “Come to me, all who are weary and weak.”  “Just come home.”  “Come seek shelter under my wings, park your tired vessel under my canopy.”  “Tire yourself to me, and drop your anchor deep into my grace and love.”

There are many people everywhere lost at sea, looking for shelter, longing for dry land and a safe harbor to restore one’s soul and recover one’s life.  You and I are called to be God’s living lighthouses guiding wayward seafarers safely to shore.  In the meantime, every empty dock slip should sadden us and drive us out into our backyard mission field knowing that “The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few,” and vessels are sinking and we have the life-preserver.  Jesus longs to make us “fishers of men” so let’s get out on the waters.

“You are the light of the world.”