Bright Light or No Light

I cycled up to Harrop Chapel one Saturday afternoon this summer. It was a significant birthday for one of the elders, Mr R, and a group of folk had assembled without his knowledge to wish him well and pray for the church’s future. Fellow Pastor Chris Okpoti from Knowle Green was present with his family, as well as the Ayrtons of Abbeystead, Fred Kershaw and Mervyn and Lucy France (who attended our Bible week). Mervyn preached on the need to have faith, and Lucy accompanied the hymns, which were all by Charles Wesley and wonderfully sung.

I noticed an old oil lamp which was attached to the back wall and was situated above my head. These would once have been found at Salem Chapel but have presumably been removed when electrical current was installed. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John

…turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. (1:12-14)

These lampstands are generally regarded as representing the seven churches to which the book was addressed. Several times, the Lord suggests that churches will be extinguished if unfaithful they become or remain. I doubt this Victorian oil lamp is still lit, but the symbolism of Harrop’s remaining open was a theme of the afternoon. Recollections of the mid-nineties were shared, when the local Methodist superintendent commented that the chapel was likely to ‘make a nice house’ once they had sold it. Mr R and others resolved to buy it, and the miraculous and providential hand of God provided the means. Yet remaining faithful to God’s word is paramount if a later generation are not to sell Harrop off or close it down. Likewise, we at Salem Chapel have no right to exist within the economy of God; if our light burns dim and our zeal ebbs low, expect the Son of Man to withdraw His Spirit and close us down. It is often mistaken to think that it is Satan or a godless world which closes churches; the Lord Jesus will have us reflect His bright light, or have no light at all.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16