Our Scripture meditation is based on Ephesians 5:8–14, the Epistle Lesson for next week, the Fourth Sunday in Lent. For a meditation on the Gospel Lesson, click HERE.
[8] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light [9] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), [10] and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. [12] For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. [13] But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, [14] for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Lent is a season of personal reflection and introspection. As such, it is a season where we can root out deeply held sins.
In our Scripture passage, the Apostle Paul describes sin as darkness and what is “good and right and true” as light. Unfortunately, some sins are hidden in deep darkness within us. Even when we want to leave the sin behind, we can’t seem to overcome it.
Paul offers a solution.
Instead of keeping the sin hidden in our hearts, we need to expose the sin to light. This happens when someone else is made aware of the sin. Most often this happens in private confession with our pastor. If our spouse or a close Christian friend could assist us in dealing with the sin, then communicating it to these trusted people could also be beneficial.
Verse 14 tells us why exposing our sin to light is so important. When our sin is exposed, Christ shines on us. This happens as we receive absolution during private confession. Christ also can shine as God’s promises from Scripture are applied to our lives in the context of the sin. Jesus can shine on us those who know of the sin intercede for us in prayer.
When the sin is exposed, we finally have help in dealing with the sin. Most importantly, we’re aware of Jesus’ presence in our struggle.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 