"Spotlights and Floodlights"

 

“Spotlights and Floodlights”

 

Our Florida house came with a backyard patio where we keep our grill. When we first turned on the light we discovered it was a spotlight which only illuminated the patio area. When we replaced it with a floodlight we could see a good portion of the yard, including nocturnal creatures looking for their next meal. Similarly, in a stage production a spotlight is used to call attention to the featured performer(s) while floodlights cover a much larger area. Each has its place to provide visibility as needed.

In Psalm 119:105 we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Emphasis added). The Hebrew word for “lamp” is also translated candle and suggests a limited range of illumination (like a spotlight). By contrast, “light” has the idea of brightening a far larger area (like a floodlight—it’s used in Genesis 1:3 where “…God said, ‘Let there be light….’”). When we’re walking on a dark night both are important to avoid danger.

Some truths of Scripture remind us of spotlights and others of floodlights. In Philippians 3:13 Paul writes, “…One thing I do…I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called ne heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Emphasis added). This was centered on “…the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24). Job told his “friends”, “(God’s) hands shaped me and made me.” (Job 10:8) as He has each of us to fulfill His purposes through us. Perhaps D.L. Moody summed it up best when he said, “Give me this one thing I do rather than these fifty I dabble in.” Yes, we all have a spotlight for our ministry.

But God’s Word also speaks in floodlight terms when it tells us that the gospel message is for the entire world and each person in it. At the outset of Jesus’ earthly ministry John the Baptist introduced Him as the “…Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, emphasis added). Later His friend and apostle wrote, "(Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, emphasis added). Just as a floodlight covers a large area, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14). To someone I’m a spotlight; with the family of God I’m part of a floodlight. I pray I’ll radiate Him in both roles.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan