Proper 15: Epistle, Ephesians 5:6-21                                          

Ephesians 5:6-21

There is no shortage of the use of “light” in the Bible. Light is around where God is. Because God is light, (1 John 1:5). And the Word of God gives light, (Psalm 119:105). As dear old Dr. Mitchell used to say, “One could multiply the Scriptures.” Light is everywhere.

In our epistle reading this week light protects us from spiritual deception, it moves our feet in the right direction, it exposes dark doings and opens our mouths. So very powerful is light. THE LIGHT.

Light brings the work of the Spirit into a clear focus as well, and as we are filled with the Spirit, that focusing light-work gives us something to say. The Spirit in us bubbles over into “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (v. 19), and we are exhorted to speak and to sing to one another with this spirit-enebriated speech. 

The question is: do you? Do I? Mixed with a constant sense of thanksgiving, this chatter born of the Light and the Holy Spirit should be a regular part of our conversation with other believers in Jesus. How long has it been since you quoted a psalm, an entire psalm to a friend? How long has it been since I have broken into a favorite hymn or song and brought a brother or sister along for the ride? A long time? Or perhaps … never? 

Perhaps if we, by the grace of the Spirit, did these simple things we are exhorted to do, perhaps our lives would be filled with joy and others would come to Jesus. Psalms instead of programs? I like it.

Lead, Kindly Light.