God’s Mission
Ephesians 5:8-20
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.
We are light in the Lord because of our connection to Lord. There are certain things and people that can deepen that connection to God (and His mission) – aaaaaaand there are certain things and people that can draw us away from God’s will for us.
The Apostle Paul’s warning here is not limited to abuse of alcohol; that is simply one example among many. The larger point is not to get distracted from God’s will, something that happens easily in a world prevalent with evil. Being filled with the Holy Spirit and living with gratitude toward God are great antidotes to living unwisely.
Prayer Prompt
Start with thanksgiving for everything in the name of your Lord Jesus. Then ask the Holy Spirit to make you wise, to help you see both good opportunities and evil pitfalls in front of you. Ask to know the Father’s will, and then follow that prayer up with a request to tap into the Spirit’s strength to carry out that will.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 103:19
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Isaiah 16:2
In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it — one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Colossians 1:13 describes our inheritance as God’s people as a kingdom of light, a kingdom Jesus says is within us or amidst us (Luke 17:21). Be IN-lightened!
Colossians 1:13-14
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 17:20-21
20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”