You Are Children of Light

From Darkness to Light  God's Call and Responsibilities God Calls You into Light Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)  1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 The Voice   5 Now, brothers and sisters, you don't need further instruction from us or anyone else for that matter regarding how the seasons and times will play out. 2 That's because you know the truth well enough. The day of the Lord will race onto the scene and surprise us like a thief in the night. 3 People will be going about their business chanting, "All is well! All is at peace!" and in the next moment, ruin and destruction will suddenly seize them as labor pains grip a woman about to give birth; for them there will be no escape. 4 My brothers and sisters, it will be different for you. You do not dwell in the darkness, so that day will not surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light. You are sons and daughters of the day. We are not created of night, nor are we owned by darkness. 6 So then let's not give in to sleep or wander around in a stupor as some do, but let's stay awake and in control. 7 You see, sleepers sleep through the night, and drunkards drink the night away; 8 but since we belong to the day, we should stay sober and in control, covered with a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet of the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us, His chosen, to face His wrath but to be the heirs of salvation through our Lord Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, 10 who died for us. So regardless of whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. For Reflection "Jesus' second coming is a cause for celebration, not dismay. Light comprehends the light in a way that darkness does not (John 1:5), so the day of the Lord for those of the day is only the culmination of the life they are already living."* "Many people fear death; perhaps it's the idea of the unknown that stirs the imagination. Death is the great enemy that stands before believers, but through Jesus' own death and resurrection, the power of death is broken. Paul uses the gentle image of the faithful being asleep as a new perspective on the finality of death. One minute you close your eyes to this world; the next, you are celebrating with Jesus and experiencing the resurrection of the body. Those sleeping will not even miss a moment; it will all happen in the blink of an eye."** *Amy L. B. Peeler, Associate Professor of New Testament Wheaton College Wheaton, Ill., https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-33/commentary-on-1-t **Commentary embedded in The Voice Pray Pray that you will act like a creature of the day, a light to guide others to experience the Holy Spirit. Forward to a friend Sign up for our mailing list!