LIVING IN THE LIGHT

“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”  (Ephesians 5: 13 & 14)

INTRODUCTION

Light was the first thing God created in Genesis 1 vs 3.   This gives us some insight into the level of importance light has to play in the life of an individual, physically and spiritually. Every Nigerian child learns “up NEPA” as part of their first set of vocabulary regardless of class, when learning to speak from as early as 18months      When a place is well lit, it appreciates in beauty, there’s no fear when walking through such areas, light brings brilliance, beauty, in short, without light daily human function is impossible. Without light, we cannot see and we only stumble along the way, eventually an accident could occur. Ephesians 5 verse 13, therefore rightly says “but everything exposed by light becomes visible,” (NRSV).The direct opposite of light is darkness, and where darkness is many  events, mostly unfortunate, take place. Nothing good comes of darkness therefore such deeds can’t be boasted of or spoken about to children of the light as noted in Ephesians 5 : 12.  Examples are brothels which are expectedly poorly lit. Whenever we want to refer to something untoward, we call it “works of darkness”.However, Light, to the child of God refers to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In John 8 verse 12 ‘When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”’ (NIV). In John 15, Jesus implores us “remain in me”.If we stop awhile to ponder the benefits and merits of living within a well lit zone we would appreciate what the light of Christ is to the human. John the Baptist saw it and understood, he tried to pass the message across to others in John 1: 9.Without light the human life is impossible to live moreso without Christ, the Christian life is impossible. To live as a Christian, you must remain in the light, in Christ and let that light shine on you until you become that  light of the world in Matthew 5: 13.Live in the light and Christ will be your guide, then all the benefits and blessings will be yours.How or where then does the Light come? Why do I need the Light? How does the Light help me?   These are questions you need to settle while you still have the opportunity.As you appreciate this Light of the world, and rejoice over what the Gospel has done for you and our land, you would in gratitude appreciate the Giver of the light and hope and also seek the welfare of the servants God uses to make the light of the Gospel available to you. This week and the one following, the church is encouraging you to provide for the welfare of the priests of the Most High God.  As God uses them to bless you, is it too much to ask you to also bless them materially (I Cor. 9: 11-14)?  God also promises you additional blessings as you support these servants. Please give generously and also provide something that would make their retirement a joyful and peaceful one.  Granted,  they have taken to the missionary way of life and the God whom they serve is able to provide for them.  That God is inviting you to partner with Him and He says when you give His servant or prophet a cup of cold water in His name, you will receive a special blessing.

Have a fruitful week as you walk and live in the Light and help God look after His servants.

Your brother, Vicar & Archeacon.

Igein Isemede.