Those of us over 60 remember automobile engines that one could actually service. Changing spark plugs, adjusting timing, even spraying something-or-other into the carburetor-thingy (I was the helper, not the home mechanic!). Despite these jobs starting right after dinner, when projects took longer than planned, my job was to hold the flashlight as the sun sank below the horizon. Dad would be tinkering and twisting and I would hold the light as steady as I could. Invariably, my attention would wonder and the beam would drift. “Light!” Dad would yell and I’d be snapped back into the present and reposition my aim. I did it because I was told to, but I also did it for the chance that when Dad retold the story, he’d say “we” as in “we fixed the timing.” In spite of my minimal contribution, with my Dad’s thumb stabbed in my direction, I was a proud part of “we.”
Similarly, I’ve wrestled wondering what my role is in evangelizing. If, like a good reformed theological thinker, I acknowledge that only those whom the Father has chosen will be presented to the Son for salvation (see John 6:44), why should I waste my time with evangelizing?
The answer lies in two places. First, and simplest is the Lord commands me to. In Matthew 28:19-20 and in Mark 16: 15-20, we’re given what is called “the Great Commission”. We’re told to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey.
The second reason is not so clear, but I assert God is inviting us to “hold the flashlight”. The choice of whom will be saved is solely up to the Lord, but the method and timing seems to be variable. We know from the thief of the cross (see Luke 23:39-45) that he (the thief) seemed to have waited until the last possible moment to accept Jesus as his savior. Jesus was never his Lord; never guiding him during his life to know what pleased the Creator. Never alleviating fear, jealously, drunkenness, and other self-destructive behaviors. Who knows how his life would have ended if someone had introduced him to Jesus earlier. Would he not have been turned around for the better much, much earlier?
Christians are told to have a heart for the lost, which I always interpreted to mean those whom I could somehow influence to be a follower of Jesus. I believe the proper perspective is to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit does the convicting (See 1 Corinthians 3:6), but we are invited to have a role, and a joyous one at that!
Imagine meeting someone in heaven who says “I know now that because of you, I became a disciple far earlier than I would have otherwise. As a result, I experienced more earthly hope, joy, and the peace of Christ and was able to produce fruit of the spirit for those around me.”
We are given the privilege of holding the flashlight for the Holy Spirit, offering ourselves to help Him to do his job (though unlike my Dad, He does not need us to help). He graciously allows me to have a small role in His plan to begin someone’s sanctification.
If you know and love someone who seems to be “lost,” not exhibiting the fruits of the spirit, perhaps behaving more like the prodigal son, don’t assume they are not among the chosen. Don’t give up hope and assume they are destined for destruction. Assume they have just not yet had the light shined upon them, and do your job to witness and share the Good News of Jesus. You may be the one who, in God’s good timing, is the one to hold the light for the Holy Spirit.
Remember to do so as Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Tim 2:23-26. “23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
Would be the subject of a great sermon! I held the flashlight many times.
Loved the post! Let me be a flashlight holder too.
Always love reading your words. I pray I’ve held the flashlight or even been the object it was shined on. Love the writer.
I totally agree with all the posts above, Frank. I can actually hear your voice when I read your written words.
Ahhh yes, the flashlight. Still do it today, but not for my Dad. I will now think about the flashlight as I meet new people and perhaps share my story with them, maybe leading them to God, or just be a light for them.
Frank, this is a good message. Living on a farm there were lots of flashlight incidents. One day we had a brush fire that was threating to go big into the timber. A friend and I worked as hard as we could, helping to control the blaze. It felt like God’s work.
Thank you Frank!! I too held the flashlight soooo many times for my Dad….my arm would ache. I have not remembered that for years. This is a great analogy to remember and utilize….I appreciate all your sharing and will look forward to your weekly words of wisdom!
Sigrie
In a world where arguments ensue over every issue in life, I think leading by example to be the only instrument of conviction. However, I don’t have your knowledge of the Bible. Words just don’t work today, as not many are listening.
Agreed! While people may not want to hear quotes from the Bible, as a disciple, I find it a source of comfort to know generations who came before us and will likely come after us will experience the same challenges and frustrations as we do today. The writers of the Bible gave guidance and encouragements to the readers of their day and to us, but how to find them and find them quickly?
I don’t have the recall gifting that some have to be able to quote chapter and verse. However, I have been able to perfect a method of finding a relevant verse (and I don’t even have to rely on AI!) using Google search (though I actually use DuckDuckGo as my search engine for improved privacy).
I’ll seem to remember something about the Bible saying something about why some people seem to reject the insights provided by God and His Word. I’ll type something like (without the quotes) “bible dark minds.” The search engine finds Ephesians 4:18 which reads “Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.” To better understand context, I’ll edit the entry on the online Bible page to read “Ephesians 4:10-25” so it pulls up a bit before and a bit after this sentence. Wow! Did Paul write this yesterday just for me?
Even if others won’t listen, this gets me reading my Bible which in itself is a frustration relieving blessing. It gives me Godly insight from faithfully and lovingly preserved, centuries old, Holy Spirit inspired authoritative writings. It melts away my frustrations and fears that the world is out of control, reassuring me that God was, is, and always will be in control. He is my shepherd…something something (note to self, search for Bible sheep still waters).
My brother Phil drove his tow truck for AAA In the late forties and fifties. He lived behind us and when he got a call I would hear his truck and run out and ask if I could go with him. He always said yes. In those days he would actually try to fix the problem;usually points or a coil or a flat tire or out of gas. So that’s when I would hold the flashlight. Now days they just tow you to a garage.
I enjoy being with you when you hold a flashlight on something new or unrecognized for me to see. Keep shining your light, Frank.
Your story about the Flashlight was beautifully presented in the usual way you have of writing. I, too, had to hold the flashlight for my dad when I was young! My dad was an engineer and more of a carpenter/builder, and I was his helper (son). He had the perfect workbench in our basement. Every tool was hung on a board with an outline around it so if anything got used, it got put back in the right place! This brings back many happy memories of the great training I got by my dad, and to this day I’m pretty savvy with hammers, screwdrivers, saws, and paint brushes