The Light is Always Left On

Motel 6 has a great commercial slogan, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” The inference is that whatever time you find yourself traveling, whether it be the daytime or three in the morning you know there is a place ready to take you in. While some hotels advertise their amenities that include all sorts of bells and whistles; state of the art gyms, big indoor pools and executive centers, this is not the thrust of the campaign phrase for Motel 6. The point of their advertisement is that they are always available for the customer. Their chain may not compare in price to the Hilton or Hyatt, but they are always open with the light on. The same can be said of God. In the Old Testament we learn that strict orders were given for a fire to be left burning on the altar and a light on the lamp stand. These flames were to remind the people that the altar was always open and that God was always available. Even today the Jews have a light that stays lit above the ark twenty four hours a day, even when the rest of the lights are off. It is their Motel 6 sign. This light signifies that God is still open for business, and is available when people need to talk. And when one comes to the altar it is a moment that offers multiple opportunities. For example if I go to Motel 6 and pay the usually modest rent for the night, the motel room is mine. I can sleep, eat, exercise, work all night, or watch TV but it is mine. What happens there depends on what I bring to the experience. When Isaiah checked in it was for reassurance; Elijah needed rest; the prodigal son reconciliation. Contemporaries find the same options when they turn towards the light in the worship experience.  Many need encouragement, spiritual nourishment, and some intense introspection. However, whatever the reason people find what they are looking for. The message for Motel 6 while coined over the last decade has always been the slogan for God. Both say come on by “We’ll leave the light on for you.” And both say “When you do you’ll be glad you did.”