Our Daily Bread Devotional For August 7, 2023 : Topic – A Thousand Dots of Light

By | August 8, 2023

Our Daily Bread Devotional For August 7, 2023 : Topic – A Thousand Dots of Light

Read previous Our Daily Bread Devotionals here

Bible in a Year:

Live as children of light  Ephesians 5:8

Today’s Scripture : Ephesians 5:8–20

Insight

In Ephesians 5, Paul contrasts—as he does elsewhere (see 2:1–10)—who we were before we believed in Jesus with who we are after we believe in Him. Using the metaphors of darkness (before knowing Jesus) and light (after belief), he encourages us to “live as children of light” (5:8).

Then he says that the “fruit of the light” consists of “goodness, righteousness and truth” (v. 9). Goodness refers to an intrinsic quality with emphasis on kindness. Righteousness refers to justice or justness. And truth refers not only to telling the truth but also living an honest life.

Message : The Dismals Canyon in northwestern Alabama attracts a number of tourists each year, many in May and June when the gnat larvae hatch and become glowworms. At night, these glowworms cast a brilliant blue luminescence, and thousands of them together create a breathtaking light.

In a way, the apostle Paul writes about believers in Christ as glowworms. He explains that “you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8). But sometimes we wonder how “this little light of mine” can make a difference. Paul suggests it isn’t just a solo act. He calls us “children of light” (v. 8) and explains that we “share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:12). Being light in the world is a collective effort, the work of the body of Christ, the work of the church. Paul reinforces this with the picture of us “glowworms” worshiping together, “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:19).

When we get discouraged, thinking our life testimony is just one little dot in a midnight culture of pitch black, we might take assurance from the Bible. We’re not alone. Together, as God guides us, we make a difference and glow a brilliant light. It seems that a whole congregation of glowworms might attract a whole lot of interest.

By:  Kenneth Petersen

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