In today’s reading (v. 8), Paul tells the Ephesians, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” He doesn’t say you were once in the dark, but now you are in the light. He specifically tells them they WERE darkness and now they ARE light.
Many times, Jesus is referred to as light and even calls himself light.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
These references and others like it, lead me to conclude that Paul is encouraging believers to set an example and be like Christ – to be light. Like it says in Matthew 5:16, “… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The other day, I attended the mid-week Lenten service and drew a correlation between today’s scripture and the Benediction which talked about being chosen by God. We, like the Ephesians, are chosen by God to be light in a dark world:
You are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, Chosen to be holy people, God’s instruments to do His work and speak for Him, to tell others what God has done for you. So, go into the world; live as God’s people, Through the grace of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Go… and be light.
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