“A Beacon on the Hill”

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14 (ESV

On a recent journey to the National Rally in Altoona, PA, the road offered more than just miles—it offered a message. Rolling through hills and valleys, taking in the splendor of God’s creation, one sight kept catching your eye: church steeples, rising above treetops and town squares, consistently reaching higher than anything else. They weren’t just structures—they were signals. They reminded you of purpose, of presence, of divine direction.

One of Google definition says. Functionally, steeples served as beacons—the tallest point in a village, guiding people to the church. They also housed bells to mark time and call the faithful to worship. Symbolically, their upward reach represents pointing toward heaven, a visual reminder of the divine.

As a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, our CMA backpatch often draws attention. But on this trip, it did more than that. People approached—some curious, others in need—and they asked for prayer. We weren’t shouting sermons or standing behind a pulpit. We were just present. And yet, our presence shone like those steeples. We became a beacon.

That’s exactly what Jesus meant when He said we are the light of the world. Not light hidden in sanctuaries, but light moving on highways. Light that shows up at gas stations, diners, roadside stops. Light that listens and prays and points upward. You became a steeple on wheels—tall in faith, humble in heart, visible in love.

Reflection:
Wherever the road takes you—whether on two wheels or two feet—how might God be calling you to rise above the noise and be a steady, visible guide to His presence?

Darryl Stearns 6/27/2025