Ephesians 5:8-14
8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly, 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
___________________________________
Light is mentioned many times in the Bible. God’s first creation was to say “Let there be light, and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3-4) Light and darkness are often used as metaphors for good and evil. Before knowing Christ, all of us are in “darkness.” Darkness produces unfruitful works.
Darkness can never dispel light. Light always wins. This particular example brings me joy and hope. Even the smallest ray of light shines in the darkness. When you’re in a completely dark room, you may see light in the crack at the bottom of the door. When you’re camping in a tent, the moonlight shines through the canvas. If you’re feeling down, a hug from a friend, a favorite song on the radio, a smile from a passer by can begin to turn your mood around and provide some light.
The last verse of this text in Ephesians references Christ’s resurrection. As Jesus rose from the dead, this verse calls Christians to awaken from their spiritually dormant state and promises when they do, “Christ will shine on you”. Christ will illuminate their pathway and give them what they need.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the lights you provide for me every day. Thank you for the light of Jesus Christ in my life. Amen.
—Venita Ditlevson