February 13th, 2013
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Daylight’s Children

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Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, on this Ash Wednesday, may I begin this Lenten season focused on Your sacrificial love for me.

Read Ephesians 5:1-20

[1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [3] But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a person is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible-and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. [14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psa. 119:105). To walk in love we need to first walk in the light.

Think Further

Paul continues the contrast between living with the world’s values, and living as Christians. Above all, we are to “live a life of love” (2). Our example is Christ and his sacrificial love for us. Our love, too, must be sacrificial if that is what it takes to avoid all the distractions and temptations outlined in vs. 3-6.

The contrast is between light and darkness. We are to be children of light (8-10), avoiding the shameless acts that some do in secret. Light is a very apt metaphor, for as we are told elsewhere, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Light uncovers hypocrisy and deceit. Light brings visibility, so there is nowhere to hide; what we do is seen by everyone for what it is. Light brings exposure, so things cannot be covered up or ignored (11-14). We are to welcome this, and not be afraid, because we have nothing to worry about if we live with integrity and truth. As children of God, we are called to walk in the light of his love.

Paul’s final concern is how we spend our time (15-17). The same transparency is to apply here. We are called to be wise in the way we use the days God gives us, not to be self-indulgent, but to allow the Holy Spirit to walk with us and remind us to praise God (18-20). It’s a test for all of us not to fritter time away, but to make the most of the hours we have. Today, let us be unafraid of living exposed lives before God. Let us ask God to help us not to waste our time, but to use it thoughtfully and to be a blessing to other people.

Apply

Are there things in your life which you are glad other people don’t know about? Bring them to God and ask him to cover them with his grace. Ask God to help you see how to best use your time, and then to make any needed changes.

Closing prayer

Lord, direct my focus to the future and assure me the past is forgiven in Christ. As I walk in Your light, may I use my time wisely.

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