1-4-3 Forever

You may not have thought about it before, but much of our life is regulated through signals we receive from many different sources. Just think about the chaos that would erupt on our highways and byways without signals and signs to govern our traffic patterns and driving habits. Misread or ignore a given signal and one could attempt to occupy the same spot in the road as another driver and we all know what happens then. Children give signals that show us sickness or social problems. Husbands and wives share signals both loving and not-so loving. Bella, my little Chihuahua, has trained me to obey her signals. She’ll sit in the middle of the floor and stare at me, then glance over at her empty food dish, then stare at me again. “Feed me!” If she jumps up on my lap to stare me in the eyes, that’s a little different as she specifically wants treats. Then there are other signals, if ignored or misread, which could lead to picking up a little sausage or two having been deposited on the floor. Signals are important and could make or break a day.

One of the most famous light houses in America is Minot’s Ledge Light House off shore from Scituate, Massachusetts. It is not known for its age or beauty. Though it has a rich, interesting history, it is perhaps best known for its light flashing, in nautical code, “1-4-3.” The flashing lantern was installed in 1894 by the U.S. Coast Guard, a simple flashing sequence. But, to so many, it quickly came to mean much more. The wife of the light-keeper, Winfield Scott Thompson, told her small children that Thompson was telling mariners how much they were loved and wished them safety every night with his “I love you” flash. Many sailors, long at sea, have taken comfort by Minot’s Ledge flashing signal. Several years ago the Coast Guard decided to replace the old equipment with modern electronics. They informed the residents that the new equipment would not be able to flash “143” and the outcry was such that the Coast Guard eventually gave in to it. The old equipment was restored and remained, flashing its message of love to all who came within its reach and influence (Info via Boston.com).

[Matthew 5:16; 6:22-23] A little boy asked his father what a “Christian” was. The dad replied that a Christian is a person who loves and obeys God. He loves his friends and neighbors and expresses his appreciation for other Christians. He even loves his enemies and prays for them that they might be blessed. He prays often and blesses God’s holy name in reverent worship. He is kind, considerate, gentle, courteous in his speech and in his selfless attitude. He lives a life that is pure and holy and is a Christian through and through. The little boy thought for a moment and then asked another question. “Daddy, have I ever seen a Christian?” Minot’s Ledge Light House is known as the “lovers light.” What a wonderful reputation! You and I are flashing signals too. The signals are perhaps at times neutral, but overall they are either loving or unloving. Our actions, our words and our attitudes convey a message about us. They may repel or attract. It depends on what signals we are sending. Jesus tells us that His church should be shining a loving light (John 13:34-35). We should be renowned as a loving people. Husbands (Ephesians 5:25) and wives (Titus 2:5) are told to let their love lights shine toward each other. Parents are to love their children in a way that is plainly evident (Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 2:15). What signal are you emitting? If you are Christ’s, it will love. Let your love light shine and it will bless all who come within your reach and influence. [Proverbs 4:18-19]