Charlie Mike: Continue the Mission - July 21st, 2024

Formal Elements/Descriptive Data

Text: Luke 4:42-44

Luke 4:42–44 AV 1873

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. 44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

"And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee." (KJV)

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Jesus prioritizes His mission to preach the Kingdom of God over the demands of the people in Capernaum, emphasizing His purpose for being sent.

Proposition: Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God necessitates movement beyond a single location, challenging us to expand our outreach with the Gospel beyond the four walls of our building, communities, nation, unto the uttermost parts of the earth.

Statement of Purpose:

Major Objective (MO): Evangelistic

Specific Objective (SO): To challenge the congregation to embrace the broader mission of the gospel beyond their immediate community.

Title: “The Necessity of the Kingdom"

Four Pages Approach:

Theme: The Priority of Preaching the Kingdom of God

Doctrine: The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God

Need: The need to understand and prioritize the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Image: A lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore.

Mission: To encourage believers to prioritize evangelism and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God in their daily lives.

Focused Synopsis

Page One: Trouble in the Biblical Text

Trouble: The people of Capernaum wanted to keep Jesus for themselves, preventing Him from fulfilling His broader mission. This reveals a misunderstanding of His purpose and the priority of His mission to preach the Kingdom of God to other cities.

Page Two: Trouble in Our World Today

Trouble: Today, many believers may become comfortable with their local church community and neglect the broader mission of evangelism. This can lead to a self-centered faith that fails to reach out to others with the message of the Kingdom.

Page Three: Grace in the Biblical Text

Grace: Jesus' response to the people of Capernaum demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His mission. Despite the temptation to stay, He prioritizes the preaching of the Kingdom, showing His dedication to fulfilling the Father's will.

Page Four: Grace in Our World Today

Grace: Believers today can find grace in the example of Jesus, who models the importance of prioritizing the mission of evangelism. By following His example, we can extend the message of the Kingdom to those who have not yet heard.

Informal Elements/Rhetorical Data

Introduction

The sermon begins with a personal anecdote or current event that draws a parallel to the importance of mission and movement, creating a connection with the congregation's experience.

Personal Bridge: Share a personal story or recent experience related to seeking purpose or direction, drawing a connection to the congregation's own search for meaning.

Social Bridge: Discuss a relevant social issue or event that highlights the need for direction and purpose in life.

Textual Bridge: Transition to the biblical text by relating the personal and social bridges to Jesus’ mission as depicted in Luke 4:42-44.

John 8:12 AV 1873

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

One of my granddad’s favorite things were Lighthouses. He used to love that old Gospel song of the same title. He had little miniatures of lighthouses everywhere around the house. He had pictures and paintings of lighthouses where he could see them regularly as a reminder. The ironic thing is that my granddad was never a sailor. I can count on my hand the number of times I ever remember him being on a boat, and not one of those times were we ever near a lighthouse down south. Why was a lighthouse so meaningful to him? I believe you know the answer already, but it was a metaphor to him for the light of Jesus Christ that was shown to him through God’s Word, the Bible, that showed him the way of salvation, and led him to a life of safety, tranquility, peace, contentment, joy, happiness, patience, longsuffering, forgiveness, meekness, humility, power, in a word, to a life filled with God’s grace.

Imagine a lighthouse standing tall on a rugged coastline, its light piercing through the darkness, guiding ships safely to shore. The lighthouse doesn't exist for itself; its purpose is to illuminate the way for others. In our passage today, we see Jesus acting as a divine lighthouse, guiding people towards the Kingdom of God. Despite the people's desire to keep Him for themselves, Jesus knows His mission is to shine the light of the Gospel far and wide. Just as a lighthouse remains steadfast in its purpose, so too must we as believers remain committed to the mission of evangelism, guiding others towards the safety and salvation found in the Kingdom of God.

Body:

I. Jesus' Withdrawal to a Deserted Place (v. 42a)

Explanation: Jesus seeks solitude after a day of miracles and teaching, indicating the importance of prayer and reflection.

Jesus withdraws to a deserted place after a day filled with ministry. This action underscores His need for solitude and prayer, providing a model for personal spiritual discipline.

Scriptural Insight: "And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place" (Luke 4:42a).

Luke 4:42a AV 1873

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

Illustration: Refer to instances where personal retreat and prayer have empowered individuals for greater ministry.

Share an anecdote about a well-known Christian leader or personal mentor who regularly practices solitude and prayer to stay grounded in their mission.

For example, the story of how Martin Luther spent hours in prayer each day before undertaking his tasks.

Application: Encourage the congregation to prioritize personal prayer and reflection to discern God’s mission for their lives.

Encourage the congregation to set aside regular times for prayer and reflection to discern God’s direction for their lives.

Suggest practical steps for integrating solitude and prayer into daily routines.

Trouble in the Biblical Text (Luke 4:42-44)

Exposition:

In Luke 4:42-44, we find Jesus at a pivotal moment early in His ministry. The preceding verses describe how He had been performing miracles and teaching with authority, drawing large crowds. The people of Capernaum, having witnessed His power and authority, were eager to keep Him with them. They sought to detain Him, wanting Him to stay in their town and continue His works among them.

A. Misunderstanding Jesus' Mission

The people of Capernaum did not fully grasp the scope of Jesus' mission. They saw His miracles and teachings as a benefit to their immediate community, not recognizing that His purpose was far greater. Their desire to keep Him for themselves indicates a limited understanding of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus was sent to proclaim to all people.

Sometimes, even His closest followers failed to grasp Jesus’ Mission.

Matthew 16:22–23 AV 1873

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

B. Self-Centeredness of the Crowd

The crowd's attempt to keep Jesus highlights a self-centered attitude. They prioritized their own needs and desires over the broader mission of Jesus. This reveals a common human tendency to focus on immediate benefits rather than the bigger picture. Their actions show how easily people can become possessive of God's blessings, wanting to contain them within their own context.

C. Potential Hindrance to the Gospel

By trying to keep Jesus in Capernaum, the people inadvertently posed a potential hindrance to the spread of the Gospel. Jesus’ mission was to preach the Kingdom of God to other cities, not just to Capernaum. Their actions, although well-intentioned, could have obstructed the broader mission of reaching others with the message of salvation.

Eventually, the Mission of Jesus was intended to reach to all nations.

Acts 1:8 AV 1873

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

D. Jesus’ Determination and Clarity of Purpose

Despite the crowd's efforts to retain Him, Jesus remains focused on His mission. He explicitly states, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent" (v. 43). His response underscores the importance of His divine calling and the urgency of His mission. Jesus’ determination serves as a contrast to the crowd's short-sightedness and emphasizes the necessity of His broader ministry.

Illustration of the Trouble:

Imagine a physician who discovers a cure for a widespread disease. The residents of the first town he visits, upon being cured, demand that he stay with them forever to ensure their continued health. Meanwhile, countless others in neighboring towns and beyond remain suffering. The physician’s mission is to bring healing to as many people as possible, but the residents' selfish desires threaten to limit the reach of his life-saving work. Similarly, the people of Capernaum, in their desire to keep Jesus for themselves, risked limiting the spread of the Gospel to other regions.

Application of the Trouble:

This passage challenges us to examine our own understanding of Jesus' mission and our role in it. Are we, like the people of Capernaum, tempted to keep the blessings of Christ to ourselves, or are we committed to sharing the message of the Kingdom with others? Are we not called to move beyond a self-centered faith and embrace the expansive, inclusive nature of the Gospel?

Transitional Sentence:

Jesus' need for solitude leads to the people’s reaction.

II. The People’s Attempt to Detain Jesus (v. 42b)

Explanation: The crowds seek to keep Jesus in Capernaum, motivated by their desire for His miracles and teaching.

The people of Capernaum seek to keep Jesus with them, driven by their desire for His teaching and miracles. This reflects a natural human tendency to cling to immediate blessings.

Scriptural Insight: "and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them" (Luke 4:42b).

Luke 4:42b AV 1873

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

Illustration: Examples from history or modern times where people have tried to contain a good thing for themselves, neglecting the broader need.

Use a contemporary example where people tried to hold onto a valuable resource or individual for their own benefit, neglecting the broader good.

For example, communities trying to retain a popular pastor or leader without considering the wider mission.

Application: Challenge the congregation to recognize the tendency to focus on personal blessings at the expense of the broader mission.

Challenge the congregation to examine areas in their lives where they might be holding onto blessings selfishly rather than sharing them.

Emphasize the importance of supporting broader mission efforts and not just local needs.

Trouble in Our World Today

Exposition:

The trouble seen in Luke 4:42-44 is not confined to the biblical narrative; it echoes through the ages and finds resonance in our contemporary world. Just as the people of Capernaum were tempted to keep Jesus’ blessings to themselves, modern believers and churches can fall into similar patterns of self-centeredness and misunderstanding of the broader mission of the Gospel.

A. Misunderstanding the Mission of the Church

Many Christians today may view the church primarily as a place for personal edification and community, losing sight of its evangelistic mission. While fellowship and spiritual growth are important, the church's ultimate calling is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This misunderstanding can lead to an inward focus that neglects outreach and evangelism.

B. Comfort and Complacency

In many churches, there is a tendency to become comfortable and complacent, enjoying the blessings of Christian community without actively seeking to share those blessings with others. This can result in a lack of evangelistic zeal and a failure to engage with the world outside the church walls. The comfort of familiarity can prevent believers from stepping out in faith to reach others.

C. Self-Centered Faith

A self-centered approach to faith can manifest in various ways, such as prioritizing personal preferences over the needs of the broader community, or focusing on individual spiritual experiences rather than corporate mission. This attitude mirrors the people of Capernaum, who wanted to keep Jesus’ blessings for themselves rather than support His mission to reach other cities.

Lest we think we are flawless in this, we do well to remember or realize how quickly our desires can sometimes become misaligned with God’s broader perspectives in relation to His will and our commission.

James 4:3 AV 1873

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

D. Potential Hindrance to the Gospel

When believers and churches become inwardly focused, they can inadvertently hinder the spread of the Gospel. By prioritizing their own needs and desires, they may neglect the urgency of evangelism and fail to support missions and outreach initiatives. This can limit the impact of the Gospel and prevent others from hearing the message of salvation.

We need to look beyond our own comfort and preferences as we seek to prioritize evangelism and outreach.

Philippians 2:4 AV 1873

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Illustration of the Trouble:

Go back in your mind to that lighthouse for a moment that was constructed with the intended purpose to guide ships safely to shore. If the keeper of the lighthouse becomes so preoccupied with maintaining the building and enjoying the view that he neglects to keep the light burning, ships will be left in darkness, potentially leading to disaster. Similarly, when Christians focus too much on their own spiritual comfort and neglect their evangelistic mission, those who are lost remain in spiritual darkness.

Application of the Trouble:

What are our priorities in relation to the gleam? What has our faith become focused on? Are we more concerned with our own spiritual comfort and preferences, or are we committed to sharing the light of the Gospel with others outside of our four walls? Will we move beyond complacency and self-centeredness, and get a greater sense of urgency embracing the importance of outward moving evangelism?

Call to Action:

If you feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit regarding your witness, or lack thereof, for Christ, then I want you to join me, and together, let’s renew our commitment to the Great Commission. I’m asking this church to help me in prioritizing evangelism, supporting missions, and actively seeking opportunities to share the Gospel in our daily lives. I’m asking this church family to see if we may have, even inadvertently, shifted our focus to become more inward, self-centered, and in any areas where we may have done so, to work together towards shifting our faith back to where Jesus would have it, to an outward-looking, mission-oriented approach that reflects the heart of Jesus.

Transitional Sentence:

Despite the people’s desire, Jesus remains focused on His broader mission.

III. Jesus' Declaration of His Mission (v. 43)

Explanation: Jesus articulates the necessity of preaching the Kingdom of God to other cities, affirming His divine commission.

Jesus states clearly that He must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities, highlighting the expansive nature of His mission.

Scriptural Insight: "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent" (Luke 4:43).

Illustration: Stories of missionaries or church planters who have left comfort zones to reach others with the gospel.

Share a story about a missionary or ministry that left a successful local ministry to expand their outreach globally.

For example, the story of Hudson Taylor leaving the comforts of home to serve in China.

Application: Call the congregation to support and participate in broader evangelistic efforts, recognizing the global scope of the gospel.

Urge the congregation to consider how they can support or participate in wider mission efforts.

Discuss practical ways to get involved, such as supporting missionaries, participating in mission trips, or using social media to share the gospel.

Grace in the Biblical Text (Luke 4:42-44)

Exposition:

In the midst of the nearsightedness that Jesus encountered in Capernaum in Luke 4:42-44, I can’t help but notice in Jesus’ interaction with the people of Capernaum how He stayed focused even when His heart must have been torn, humanly speaking. It was only by grace that we can see His steadfast commitment to His Father’s mission to stagger not in unwavering purpose to preach the Kingdom of God to all who need to hear it, not just those close enough to this tiny fishing town.

A. Jesus’ Clear Understanding of His Mission

Jesus demonstrates a clear and unwavering understanding of His mission. Despite the people’s attempts to keep Him in Capernaum, He knows that He must continue to other cities to preach the Kingdom of God. Only with this kind of clarity and commitment to the will and commission of His Heavenly Father could Jesus ensure that the message of salvation would reach as many people as possible. To remain in the confines of Capernaum, as inviting as it must have been, would have been to fail of the grace of God and falter in the furtherance of the good news of God’s rule and reign, a message that would call Israel to the point of decision about who He is, the Messiah; a message that would one day, through His disciples, reach to ends of the known world, in a single generation, as Christianity, and the hope that it brings in the gospel message, would explode with the power of the Holy Spirit in God’s people, proclaiming God’s Word with unction, calling sinners in compunction, to accept the forgiveness of sins offered through the blood of Jesus of Nazareth.

It is up to us to realize that Jesus has sent us to continue the Mission.

There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless waves,

Charlie Mike!

(for any who may not know, that means, “Continue the Mission.”)

John 17:18 AV 1873

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

B. Inclusivity of the Kingdom of God

The grace of God is evident in the inclusivity of the Kingdom. Jesus’ refusal to stay in one place and His determination to preach to other cities underscores that the Gospel is for all people, not just a select few. This highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of God’s grace, which is extended to every corner of the earth.

C. Jesus’ Compassion and Commitment

Jesus’ compassion for the people and His commitment to His mission reflect the heart of God. He is moved by the needs of the people but remains focused on His broader mission. This balance between compassion and commitment showcases the grace of God, who cares deeply for each individual while also working out His redemptive plan for the whole world.

D. Model of Obedience

Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will is a model of grace in action. He prioritizes the Father’s plan over His own comfort or the immediate desires of the crowd. This act of obedience provides a powerful example of how grace enables and empowers us to follow God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice and steadfastness.

Illustration of the Grace:

(Movie about doctor who cured blindness) Picture a doctor on a mission to eradicate a disease in multiple regions. Despite being urged to stay in one village where he is loved and appreciated, he continues his journey because he knows that his mission is to bring healing to as many people as possible. His dedication and commitment to the broader mission, despite the personal sacrifices, are a reflection of the grace that drives him. Similarly, Jesus’ commitment to preach the Kingdom of God beyond Capernaum is a reflection of the divine grace that fuels His mission.

Application of the Grace:

This grace calls us to recognize the inclusivity of God’s Kingdom and our role in it. Jesus’ example challenges us to look beyond our immediate context and embrace a broader vision for evangelism and mission. It invites us to be partakers in God’s grace by sharing the message of the Kingdom with those who have not yet heard it.

Encouragement to Embrace Grace:

As believers, we are recipients of this grace and are called to extend it to others. The grace demonstrated by Jesus in His mission should inspire us to be steadfast and committed to our own call to evangelism. We are encouraged to follow His example of compassion, commitment, and obedience, trusting that God’s grace will empower us to fulfill our mission.

Romans 10:14–15 AV 1873

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Transitional Sentence:

Jesus' commitment to His mission is demonstrated through His actions.

IV. Jesus’ Continued Ministry (v. 44)

Explanation: Jesus continues preaching in the synagogues of Galilee, showing His dedication to spreading the Kingdom message.

Jesus continues to preach in the synagogues of Galilee, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to spreading the message of the Kingdom.

Scriptural Insight: "And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee" (Luke 4:44).

Illustration: Highlight ministries that exemplify continual dedication to evangelism and teaching.

Highlight ministries or individuals who consistently dedicate themselves to preaching and teaching despite challenges.

For example, the continuous efforts of Billy Graham in evangelism over decades.

Application: Urge the congregation to maintain consistent efforts in sharing the gospel and supporting mission work.

Encourage the congregation to remain steadfast in their efforts to share the gospel and support continuous ministry work.

Offer ideas for ongoing engagement, such as volunteer opportunities or consistent prayer support for ministries.

Grace in Our World Today

Exposition:

The grace exemplified by Jesus in Luke 4:42-44 continues to manifest in our world today. Just as Jesus was committed to preaching the Kingdom of God to all cities, His grace empowers and compels us to extend His mission in our contemporary context.

A. Empowerment for Evangelism

The grace of God empowers believers to engage in evangelism. Just as Jesus was driven by His mission, the Holy Spirit equips and motivates us to share the Gospel. This grace transforms ordinary individuals into ambassadors for Christ, enabling us to reach out to those who have not heard the message of salvation.

I trust that after a message like this, you feel empowered. You do not need to ask anyone’s permission to evangelize the lost.

Nike. Just do it.

You do not need to wait for someone else to show you how.

Nike. Charlie Mike.

You do, however, at peril of making shipwreck of your own faith and becoming a castaway yourself should you not, you must be saved, baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit so that you can face each day and trial that comes against all who will live godly in Christ Jesus with the power of God on your life that will allow you to accomplish what no person or thing can do. Nike. Charlie Mike.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 AV 1873

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

B. Inclusive Outreach

God’s grace is inclusive, breaking down barriers of culture, ethnicity, and social status. In our world today, the Gospel transcends these divisions, inviting all people to partake in the Kingdom of God. This inclusivity reflects the boundless nature of God’s grace and challenges us to embrace diversity in our evangelistic efforts.

C. Compassionate Ministry

Grace inspires compassionate ministry. As we receive God’s grace, we are moved to act with compassion towards others, meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. This holistic approach to ministry mirrors Jesus’ compassionate commitment and extends His grace to those in need.

D. Obedience to the Great Commission

Grace calls us to obedience. Just as Jesus was obedient to His mission, we are called to be obedient to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Matthew 28:19–20 AV 1873

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

This kind of Romans 12:1-2, grace-driven obedience compels us to prioritize evangelism and discipleship, ensuring that the message of the Kingdom continues to spread.

Illustration of the Grace:

It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannons to call attention to their shining—they just shine.

Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist)

Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.

bio.warrenwiersbe

One of the reasons that my granddad loved lighthouses so much was because of the messenger that came and brought him the light one day that led him to find faith in Jesus Christ, the only way of salvation from drowning in a sea of sinfulness. The message came to my granddad only because the keeper understood the importance of his mission.

Imagine a network of lighthouses along a treacherous coastline, each one shining its light to guide ships safely to shore. These lighthouses are maintained and operated by dedicated keepers who understand the importance of their mission. The light they shine represents the grace of God, which illuminates the path to salvation. As keepers of this light, we are called to ensure that it reaches as many people as possible, guiding them to the safety of the Kingdom.

Application of the Grace:

The grace evident in our world today calls us to action. It challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and engage in the mission of evangelism. We are invited to be part of God’s redemptive work, sharing the message of the Kingdom with those around us. This grace also compels us to embrace inclusivity, reaching out to diverse communities and reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

Encouragement to Engage in the Mission:

As recipients of God’s grace, we have the privilege and responsibility to extend that grace to others. This means actively participating in evangelism, supporting missions, and being a light in our communities. We are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example of compassionate ministry, reaching out to those in need and sharing the message of salvation with a sense of urgency and commitment.

Matthew 9:37–38 AV 1873

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Call to Action:

How will you respond to this grace? Will you commit to being lighthouses in our world today. Will you look for just one practical way this week to shine the light of the Gospel in your neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond. By doing so, we participate in the mission of Jesus, extending the Kingdom of God and bringing hope and salvation to those who are lost.

The mission of Jesus continues through us. His grace not only empowers us but also calls us to be active participants in God’s plan to reach others with the redemption provided through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary.

To wrap up, we can revisit the lighthouse image:

Conclusion

Summarize the main points, reiterating the necessity of embracing and supporting the broader mission of the Kingdom of God. Provide a motivational call to action for the congregation to reflect on their role in God's mission.

Illustrations/Examples:

Incorporate real-life stories of individuals and ministries that exemplify the sermon’s points, making the message relatable and practical.

Homiletical Insight:

Emphasize the balance between personal devotion and outward mission, encouraging a holistic approach to Christian life and ministry.

Footnotes and References

Historical and contextual insights were drawn from the historical and theological analysis of Luke 4:42-44​​.

Lexical and exegetical details provided additional clarity on key terms and phrases used in the text​​.

Matthew 5:14–16 AV 1873

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

As we reflect on the commitment of Jesus to His mission, let us be reminded of the lighthouse, steadfast and unwavering in its purpose to guide ships safely to shore. In the same way, we are called to be unwavering in our mission to share the Gospel. Let us embrace the grace that empowers us, reach out with compassion, and extend the light of the Kingdom to all who are in need. May we be faithful keepers of this light, guiding others to the safety and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

Author and Composer—Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876

Philip P. Bliss, a leading, gospel song writer of the late 19th century, often received the inspiration for a hymn, while listening to a message during a church service. Once an idea struck his alert mind, he worked rapidly usually completing both the text and the music in one sitting.

One day, while traveling with Dwight L. Moody as the musician for an evangelistic campaign, Bliss was impressed by an illustration used by Mr. Moody for a message. Moody often told this terse, but moving story of a violent storm on Lake Erie:

On a dark, stormy night, when the waves rolled like mountains and not a star was to be seen, a boat, rocking and plunging, neared the Cleveland harbor. “Are you sure this is Cleveland?” asked the Captain, seeing only light from the lighthouse.

“Quite sure, sir,” replied the pilot.

“Where are the lower lights?”

“Gone out, sir!”

“Can you make the harbor?”

“We must, or perish, sir.”

With a strong hand and a brave heart, the old pilot turned the wheel, But alas, in the darkness he missed the channel, and, with a crash upon the rocks, the boat was slivered and many a life lost in a watery grave.

“Brethren,” concluded Mr. Moody, “the Master will take care of the great lighthouse. Let us keep the lower lights burning.”

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” first appeared in Bliss’ earliest songbook, The Charm, in 1871, and later in the well-known collection, Gospel Hymns, published by Sankey and Bliss in that same year.

Philip P. Bliss was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, on July 9, 1838. His youthful days were spent on a farm or in a lumber camp, where he experienced severe poverty. At an early age, young Bliss displayed unusual talent and interest in sacred music. Although he never received a formal training in music, his self-study made him a knowledgeable and proficient musician. At the age of twenty-five, Bliss sent a letter and a copy of his first music manuscript to Dr. George Root, wondering if he could sell his song to the Root and Cady Music Company, a leading music publishing house, in exchange for a flute. Root recognized the talent of this young man and immediately encouraged him with a new flute.

The next year, Bliss moved with his family from Pennsylvania to Chicago and became actively involved with the Root and Cady Company, as their representative in conducting music conventions and training institutes throughout the Midwest. During this time, Bliss’ abilities as a gospel singer, song leader, and writer became increasingly recognized.

Bliss first met Dwight L. Moody in Chicago, during the summer of 1869, and soon began singing, frequently, in Moody’s evangelistic meetings. The effectiveness of Bliss’ singing in these services intensified Moody’s conviction of the importance of music in an evangelistic ministry. Although Moody himself was not a singer, he has left the following account regarding his attitude about music:

I feel sure that the great majority of people do like singing. It helps to build up an audience—even if you preach a dry sermon. If you have singing that reaches the heart, it will fill the church every time. There is more said in the Bible about praise than prayer, and music and song have not only accompanied all scriptural revivals, but are essential in deepening spiritual life. Singing does at least as much as preaching to impress the Word of God upon people’s minds. Ever since God first called me, the importance of praise expressed in song has grown upon me.

Philip Bliss continued to be a prolific composer of gospel hymns, until the time of the tragic train accident causing his untimely death, at the age of thirty-eight. (See “My Redeemer” 101 Hymn Stories, No. 59) Several of Bliss’s well-known compositions include: “Once for All” (No. 72), “Hold the Fort” (101 Hymn Stories, No. 30), “Jesus Loves Even Me” (ibid., No. 46), as well as “Hallelujah, What a Savior,” “Whosoever Will,” “Wonderful Words of Life,” “Almost Persuaded” and many more.

In 1874, Bliss compiled a small collection entitled Gospel Songs, and this has been the name by which all subsequent songs of this style became known. Soon Bliss joined forces with Ira D. Sankey in publishing many other gospel song collections, and these two men are generally credited with being the founders of the gospel song movement in this country. It has been well said that what Stephen Foster did in secular music—getting our nation to sing its distinctive folk music—Ira Sankey and P. P. Bliss did as validly and effectively in sacred music.

* * *

“We ought so to live Christ as to compel others to think about Christ.”

Unknown

“Salvation may come quietly, but we cannot remain quiet about it.”

Unknown

“I do not ask for mighty words to leave the crowd impressed,

But grant my life may ring so true my neighbor shall be blessed.

I do not ask for influence to sway the multitude;

Give me a ‘word in season’ for the soul in solitude.

“I do not ask to win the great—God grant they may be saved!

Give me the broken sinner, Lord, by Satan long-enslaved.

Though words of wisdom and of power rise easily to some

Give me a simple message Lord, that bids the sinner come.”

Unknown

[Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 More Hymn Stories (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1985), 174–176.]

So here in Luke 4:42-44, Jesus remained steadfastly committed to His Father’s mission. He would continue His ministry of evangelizing the lost. To do so meant that nothing else could take priority over the preaching of the kingdom of God. Today, it’s time that we embrace our call to evangelism and outreach. Empowered by the grace of Jesus to be lights in this old dark and sinful world, let us trim our lamps, and keep them fueled so that the light of Christ shining through our witness can guide others to safety and salvation found in Him, and Him alone. As He was faithful to His mission, may we be faithful to ours, as we recall,

“Brightly beams our Father’s mercy, from His lighthouse evermore; But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.”