The lighthouse on the Breakwater.

Although a bit fuzzy, I captured this image from Navy Pier in Chicago. I stood there thinking about the lighthouse and how it is like the church. The lighthouse is typically positioned high upon a shore cliff or, in, this case a breakwater.

We live in a society that is demanding the church become part of the city skyline, indisquinguishable from any of the other lights. They say the church should blend with the world. But how do we find safe harbor, then? The church is set apart from the allure of the city for a reason. It’s to beckon seafarers to harbors of safety. Also note that the lighthouse is set upon a breakwater. A breakwater is a wall built to stop the waves from entering into and disturbing the harbor. A church will do that. It will reach for the weary soul, tossed by the hopelessness of life, and provide a place for the soul to harbor and find rest. The walls beneath the church are made to withstand the stormy waves. It beacons for the soul “Come! Receive strength to brave life’s sea! Rest a while!” 

And how many say so often “Why build on te breakwater? Join the shoreline and blend in with the city lights.” ? But that’s not the job of the church. I go to church to find rest. I go to separate from life’s pressure and weight. I go to learn how to be a better seafarer. But there is one thing I know: I am safe beyond the breakwater beneath the lighthouse.

How does this relate to mountains? The cleft in the rock. The secret place. I’m reminded of Psalm 27. “In the secret of His tabernacle shall he hide me. He shall set me up upon a rock.” Whether the harbor of the seas or the clefts of the mountains, I am thankful to have a place to rest. 

My pastor recently preached on the sanctifying  glory of God. I’m glad to have a place, a sanctuary, to find God’s glory and to hear His Word. I’m glad my church is a safe place from the storms of life.