“Awake, O Sleeper!”
Scripture reading for August 29: Ephesians 5
“. . . for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:8-16
Paul was concerned that there were those among the believers who were still walking in darkness. This darkness took the form of sexual immorality, covetousness and impurity. There was filthy talk and crude joking. Paul plainly explained that God’s wrath would come on all living in disobedience and none living habitually in those sins would inherit God’s glorious kingdom. (Ephesians 5:3-6) These people were asleep in their flesh and under God’s wrath.
The proper way to live was one of positive action. Believers should study the Word of God and discern what was pleasing to God and live that way. They should reflect God’s light to those in darkness and expose their lives of disobedience through holy living. They should call those who were asleep spiritually to “wake up” and rise from the dead! Christ’s love was shining a light on their slumber deeds of darkness when instead Christ desired to reflect His light through their repentance and faith. Believers were called to carefully examine their walk and make the most of their time on earth. In days of evil, they were to reflect the light of Jesus Christ and God’s goodness.
As you evaluate your own life, would you say that you were asleep in sin or actively living a holy life pleasing to God? Would our Father God be able to use your life to shine a light on those now asleep? What is one thing that you might do to make the most of your time on earth?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for waking up those sleeping in darkness by shining the light of Your Word through Your committed followers. Give me discernment daily to choose to do that which pleases You and exposes and drives out darkness. I proclaim with You: “Awake, O sleep, rise from the dead!” Amen.
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