Sunday 8 September, 2019
Children of light
“For you are all children of the light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night nor to darkness. This is why we must not fall asleep, as the rest do, but keep wide awake and clearheaded” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6, TPT)
The term ‘children of light’ is normally used in the scriptures to refer to “all true disciples, who are styled “the light of the world” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary). This is exactly what Jesus meant when he told his disciples; “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Being children of light or being light of the world means that a Christian is called to a life quite distinct from that of non-believers.
To be a Christian is to catch and reflect the light of Christ that by it, those who haven’t believed are able to catch and reflect the same.
In their teachings, both Jesus and his disciples have repeatedly reminded their audience of being children of light. As noted by Dwight M. Pratt, “Henceforth Christians and saints were called “children of light” (Luke 16:8; John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8), and were expected to be “seen as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).”
We have been called out of darkness to live let our lights shine in the dark world. More so, in these last days when the appearance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be any time soon. In this 21st century, we are always confronted with situations that tests our being children of light. However, even when the world is increasingly becoming darker, one peculiar thing with light is that tiny as it may be, it shall always be very visible.
Encouraged by Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we are remained to be sober and awake as Jesus’ coming will be any time soon. Let us throw away anything that reduces our luminosity that we may continue to shine as children of light until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
Prayer: Give me oil in my lamp I pray O Lord that I may keep burning and continue shining as a Lamp in a dark world. Amen!
Rev. J
Rev. Julius I. Tabi is a Dean of Students’ Affairs at Uganda Christian University Arua Campus. He is an ordained minister in the Anglican Diocese of Ma’di and West Nile (Church of Uganda) and serves as chaplain at Ushindi Secondary School in Arua. Julius is a student of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology of Uganda Christian University. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Religion, Society and Global Issues at MF Norwegian School of Theology. Prior to his pastoral training, Julius trained as a high school Biology and Chemistry teacher. You may reach him by completing the form below.
JIT Global Impact Ministries 