LIGHTHOUSE LESSON - Being an International Invitation

The Statue of Liberty was presented to the public as a gift from France in October 28, 1886 for the 100th year anniversary of our nation's independence. Though it came 10 years later than its intended arrival, it has become one of the most respected symbolisms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Many may not realize that this is an official lighthouse...and is the first to use electricity.
What I admire most about this breathtaking structure is the words most closely associated with the statue, "Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free …" These verses weren’t added to the pedestal of Lady Liberty until 1903 … and only after officials realized what an inspiration she had become to the waves of immigrants arriving at nearby Ellis Island.
More than ever before, we are that land of immigrants. The challenge is that we see where we sit, where we live, where we carry out our day's responsibility as a venue of literally reaching the world. In my personal pursuits to go door to door within the community of my church, I am realizing how very real and close this international atmosphere has become. And, I am grateful for the opportunities that it presents. Let's remember that Christ was sent for the world...and the Scriptures say that that "whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved." Let's personally be a true international invitation...for the glory of Jesus Christ.