Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 5:14, NKJV- “Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
The first chapter of Ephesians 5 states that we are to follow God’s example. If you had to tell someone what the example of God is what would it be? When I think of God and His example, I see God the Creator, God who is the judge of right and wrong, the God who provides, a patient God, and a God who loves us as His children.
How can we live God’s example of loving others as our children. Sometimes we are providers, discipliners, guides, and sources of love. Sometimes we are not the example for our children we should be. However, when we reflect on who God is and return to following His example, we find ourselves in the right light.
Darkness is the absence of light. In my darkest places I certainly do not live in proper ways to be considered holy as we were instructed in Ephesians 5:3-4. I do not claim to be holy, but I can be thankful for who God is. I am thankful for Ephesians 5:14 where we are told that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, will give us light. I know that without Jesus I live in darkness. Although I continue to be disobedient to God, the light of Christ shines on me.
If you have children, you can relate to how we continue to love them even if they are disobedient. I am reminded of Matthew 7:11 which states “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (NIV) In the following verse Matthew 7:12 we are instructed to “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (NLT)
I am thankful for the gifts and love of God that I can ask for and receive in light of my disobedience and unholiness. Like a loving parent, God even sent Jesus to us to show us the way to live. Jesus is our light when we have none. Ephesians 5:8 instructs us to live as children of light. In Christ’s light we can know we are loved and see the consequences of our dark choices.
We can all be exposed at times. In fact, Ephesians 5:13 promises that “everything exposed by the light becomes visible.” (NIV) We cannot hide our darkness. However, the second part of Ephesians 5:13 brings me great hope. “And everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” I have come to embrace the Berean Study Bible translation that states “for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.”
When our darkness is called out and illuminated this will be our light. Exposed, we are humbled yet confident that it is the light of Jesus that is shining not our own. What is illuminated in us becomes our light. I continue to return to these verses, I believe, because of my experience in recovery and with the people of recovery. I have had the opportunity to experience how God takes our darkest places and illuminates them, so they become our light.
God’s example of love, patience, and forgiveness can be followed We can love others as God first loved us. We can welcome and receive the light of Jesus Christ and trust that the essence of His light is what we reflect. This is not our light but the light of Christ.
Corrected and disciplined, as God’s children, I pray we live more and more to please Him and reflect his holiness and love. In the light of Christ, we can shine. Do you welcome the light of Christ?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our example. Thank You for Your patience and love for us, Your children. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ who shines Your light on us. Help us LORD to reflect your light and example. Expose us LORD so what is exposed becomes our light. We can live in the thanksgiving of Your love Father God. Please continue to teach us to be obedient and please help us to reflect the light of Christ. In the name and light of Jesus Christ I do pray. Amen.
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