Be Light

Ephesians 5:8-14

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.

God is all-seeing

7 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Hebrews 4:12-13 and reflect on the passage.

Scenario: Company is coming over soon—so with tornado-like speed, I yell orders while tossing old mail and school papers into drawers. Dirty clothes are shoved in the laundry. Objects are thrown into closets, while whatever dishes can’t be washed are slid from the counter directly into the dishwasher. With minutes to spare, I scan each room to see what final messes I can hide. Thank goodness none of my guests have x-ray vision or they’d surely discover my secrets. But they aren’t the only ones I try to keep in the dark. Too often I attempt to hide my weaknesses from the one who truly can access the deepest parts of me. “Maybe He won’t notice!”

Really, who am I trying to kid? Of course He notices because He sees all—all the dirt and all the mess. But you know what, somehow I’m still enough. Amazingly, I’m still a recipient of His love because He is Enough. He doesn’t need my love but desires it so that I can enjoy his company in heaven (where I know dusting isn’t required). Thank God!

Questions

1.      What are we trying to hide from others? From ourselves? From God?

2.      What can we do to remind ourselves that God sees all and still loves us?

Prayer

Thank You God for being enough and loving me, flaws and all. Help me to keep a watchful eye for those who need Your message of love this holiday. We spend so much time and energy hiding. Remind us that nothing is hidden from Your sight. You ask us to lay our hearts bare before You so that we will come to know Your love and mercy in ways we’ve never experienced before. Thank You! It’s in Your name we pray—Amen.

—Jennifer Jerrome