Day Five: Illuminated
Jenn Schultz
I always get a little sad when Christmas draws to a close, for a number of reasons. One of them is packing up and storing away Christmas lights. There is something so cozy about the glow of a Christmas tree, something so heartwarming about the lights neighbors put up to spread holiday cheer. Here in the US, it is wintertime and the darkest season, so it feels especially sad to be without the extra light.
Similarly, our world feels like it’s in an endless season of winter. We mourn with fellow image bearers all over the world who are facing death, devastation and fear, sometimes at the hands of other people. We’re holding on to the hope of the scriptures, but some things in the world seem broken beyond repair. It can feel like the Devil is winning.
In Ephesians 5, there is a glimmer of hope: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (verse 8). Once you and I were part of the darkness, but now we don’t just represent the light–because of Jesus, we were transformed to BE the light. We bring the fruit of light into this world: goodness, righteousness and truth (verse 9). Our place is in the light, where things that hid in the dark are revealed.
In fact, look at verses 13-14: “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” What is illuminated can also be used to reflect Christ and glorify God. Even the things we used to be too embarrassed to bring to the light. How incredible is that?
This chapter also deals with two taboo words in our culture: obedience and submission. We can associate obedience with a lack of free will and submission with being a doormat.
But Paul talks on no uncertain terms about these two concepts. As beings that are made new, we don’t idolize our own desires and pursuits anymore. The power of the Holy Spirit at work within us helps us identify and change our old ways of thinking and behaving.
Obeying and surrendering to God’s will means taking him at his word, trusting that he grows good fruit when we remain in him, better than what the world can offer. Submitting to others means releasing the competition to be the best or come out on top. This choice shows reverence for Christ as the head of the church and of our lives.
Obeying God and submitting to others are powerful acts of surrender. Where society says to look out for yourself, build up your own personal kingdom, and gain the world (at the cost of your soul), the scriptures map out a life that stands out significantly from culture, illuminated in the darkness.
Walk Worthy Challenge: Illuminate something you used to keep hidden with a trusted friend this week. Let’s see what God can do when we bring things to the light!
Prayer: Father, I am holding onto this today: that you transform us and bring us into the light; that even the things I have hidden in the dark can be revealed and even used for your glory; that the directions you’ve set for us keep us in the light and produce good fruit. May I have the courage to go against what the world says and trust you in my heart, mind, and actions.
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