12/04/2026
A LIGHT BUILT FOR FORGOTTEN
I am an all-in-one solar street light with a camera and unlimited 4G Wi-Fi connectivity. I am built for off-grid, rural, and remote surveillance and lighting applications where traditional electricity and internet infrastructure are unavailable, unreliable, or too expensive to install. Far from Jerusalem, the city of the great King, high up at Utter's Ridge, I stand facing the nations of the world. The Lord, with His seven eyes, watches His lost and helpless sheep from the comfort of His own home.
My self-contained power source is fueled by His spirit. My sensitivity threshold is set to detect the first hint of a neighbor’s struggle. Come heavy storms and deep darkness so I can find my purpose! I am on standby all day long, just hoping my time will finally come. Like a restless c**t chewing on straw, I waited an age for the Messiah to grant my life a purpose.
All praise goes to the One who made the lamp, fueled it, and lit it. All a lamp can do is shine bright and be grateful to finally have a purpose. During the day, no one sees the point of a lamp. Kwasona, besibubhideka xa uMbumbi eqala eqokelela konke okudingayo. It is not until the shadows stretch out that those nearby realise, and it clicks: "This is a wise man; he knew the day is only hours long. The night will come, and it will seem longer to those who have no light in their homes."
Wise is the man who holds the planning and design of his streetlight, with all the specs carefully thought out. Searching, he finds the strongest hill. Rolling out his blueprint, he lays out all the materials needed to install his design. At its peak, he carefully places it, talking while working: “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that all those waylaid by the evening can find comfort in its light."
During the day, he finishes his work. While testing, he creates temporary darkness to trigger the light. As the light goes on, and off, and on again, no one pays much attention to him or appreciates his work. "Perfect!" he exclaims. "Utter, I’ll give you a signal—align yourself. Get on the rooftop and tell these people: whatever I whisper, you are to shout." Then, he turns it off and disappears.
To the homeless and poor, I say: "Intelligent Street Lights" has got you covered. I was designed with your living situation in mind. Do not worry and say, "How will we pay for all this?" Someone in higher places holds you dear in His heart. So you see, your safety and mine are in His loving hands. I get my thanks for my work from the One who sent me. All He requires from you is this: stay close to His light and you will be safe.
The Lord bought me for Himself; He paid the price for me. My services to you have already been paid for. I am at your service free of charge. I am not fueled or triggered by human applause to do what I was designed for. I am placed here so those overtaken by darkness and storms may be drawn to my glow. Why should the work be praised and not the hands that made it? Just as a functional failure is reported to its maker, so should its good work be credited to Him. If maintenance and servicing are also His job, let the man be paid with thanks for His good work.
A lamp’s worth isn’t in its shine, but in its threshold—the exact moment it decides to give itself away to the darkness. I do what I am programmed to do; anything else would indicate a malfunction. With that said, I have no reason to be proud of my ability to function as expected. So, I will thank the Lord for the gift of life, the gift of knowledge, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Nothing can be known about God if He does not reveal it Himself. I didn't find the Lord; He was there all along, watching over me, waiting to catch me when I fall. And I did fall—that's when I realised He isn't far when you need Him.
