“Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”
(Ephesians 4:18)
A full moon on a clear night is both a thing of beauty and a marvel. Recently, as my family and I returned home late in the evening, we were struck again by how bright a full moon can be. And yet, for all its brilliance, the moon has no light of its own—it merely reflects the primary light source in its universe. What a vivid reminder of how God’s people are to reflect His light into a world darkened by sin.
Scripture speaks often of light—and its contrast with darkness. Because of the Fall, every one of us is born under the curse of darkness (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 3:10, 23; John 3:18).[1] In our natural state, we love the darkness because our deeds are evil (John 3:19). Further, being separated from the God who is light, we are not merely in darkness—we are darkness itself (Eph. 5:8).
But what happens when light is introduced into darkness? Light always triumphs, for it is more powerful than the darkness! When the Spirit of God shines the light of the glorious gospel of Christ into our souls, our eyes are opened, and we are transformed into children of light (Eph. 5:8). No longer do we stumble in ignorance, for the renewing work of the Spirit enlightens our understanding (John 3:3, 5). The same God who spoke light into being at creation now shines His light into our hearts, giving us “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).
Once called into Christ’s marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9), we can no longer walk as we once did. The old life of darkness and sin is cast away, replaced by the light of His love and grace. This transformation is as different as night and day!
Furthermore, as those who have been redeemed, we are to reflect God’s light into a world still under the power of darkness. Christ Himself declares: “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). Just as there is no greater contrast than light and darkness, so there should be no doubt, no question, and no confusion as to whom we belong. Justin Martyr rightly observed, “That which the soul is in the body, that is the believer in the world; for as the soul is in, not of the body, so the believer is in, but not of the world.” This is the great distinction that must be evident in the lives of those who walk in the light.
Darkness cannot overcome the light. Wherever light shines, darkness flees. Take heart, children of the light! Your light is not your own—it is powered by the eternal radiance of God and His Christ. And as long as you remain in Him, your light will shine.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” (Matt. 5:16).
Contemplations:
- The Power of Light Over Darkness. Lord, when I consider all it means to be Your child, my soul is overwhelmed with gratitude. I believe Your Son died for my sins and was raised on the third day, securing victory over death. By faith, I have received Him as my Lord and Savior, and I am no longer under the power of darkness. No longer does the sentence of death rest upon me—You have brought light to my life and understanding. I will dwell with You forever in glory. I am now a joint heir with Christ to Your kingdom. Help me grasp the sheer power of Your light—the power You have over darkness and death! I want this truth to shape my life, both in my attitude and my actions.
- Reflecting His Light in a Dark World. Father, I know that I am to be a reflection of Your light in this world, but I must ask myself: How is Your divine nature evident in me? Where does Your image shine through my life? Do I reflect Your holiness, Your love, and Your truth? Can I see Your light in me? More importantly, can others see it? Let my life be a clear and radiant testimony of Your transforming grace.
- Seeing Sin for What It Truly Is. Lord, even though the difference between light and darkness is stark, Satan is a master deceiver. If I saw sin for what it truly is, I would abhor it. But just as he deceived Eve, so he seeks to make sin appear desirable, pleasurable, even beneficial—not only to the lost but to Your people as well. Do I truly see sin as You see it? Do I hate its vileness? Or do I tolerate it? Open my eyes, Lord. Let me see the horror of sin and the price You paid to rescue me from it. Let me hate sin as You do and cling to the righteousness You have given me in Christ.
Prayer:
O Lord, my God, I bless Your holy name! You are the God of light, and in You is no darkness at all. You spoke, and light burst forth, dispelling the void. And just as You commanded light to shine in creation, so You have shined the light of Christ into my heart, calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. How glorious is Your grace! How wondrous is Your salvation!
Yet, Father, I confess that I do not always walk as a child of light. Though You have redeemed me, there are times when my heart clings to the shadows. I have been slow to reflect Your truth, hesitant to bear witness to Your name, and weak in my battle against sin. How often have I let the cares of this world dim my joy? How often have I failed to rejoice in the light of my salvation? Forgive me, Lord! Cleanse me anew, that I may walk in the brightness of Your holiness.
I thank You, Father, that darkness has no power over me. I thank You that through Christ, I am no longer blinded by sin but have been given sight. I praise You that Your light is not dependent on me, but on Your unfailing grace. Even when I stumble, You hold me fast. Even when I feel weak, You are my strength. Every moment of my life is under the care of Your sovereign hand, and for that, I rejoice.
Now, Lord, I ask that You make me a true reflection of Your light. Let me not be a dim and flickering lamp, but a radiant testimony of Your truth. Let me not cower before the darkness but stand boldly as a light in this world. Keep my heart fixed on Christ, that I may not be deceived by sin’s false allurements. Teach me to abhor what is evil and to cling to what is good. Let my life shine for Your glory, that others may see and turn to You.
O Lord, You are my light and my salvation! May my lips declare Your praise, may my feet walk in obedience, and may my heart be ever fixed upon You. Let my light so shine that all may see and glorify You.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Ephesians 4:18:
Rom. 1:21; Eph. 2:12; 2 Cor 3:14; 1 Peter 1:14; Acts 3:17; Isa. 9:2
[1] James Fergusson, A Brief Exposition of the Epistles of Paul to the Galatians and Ephesians, (London: Printed for the Company of Stationers, 1659), 285.
