Good Morning Friends,
It has been said that early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise. Not always easy on election night! But there is something healthy about living more of our lives in the light. Spiritually, Scripture says much the same thing. We are called to leave behind the darkness of our emotional and spiritual baggage, to sin less, love more, and become the people Jesus would have us to be. But discipleship also asks us to count the cost and determine the direction of our lives by the lamp of Scripture. So today we ask: Are We Living As People Of Light In The Surety Of Our Salvation And Election?
Scripture Summaries:
Genesis 1:1–3 begins with darkness until God speaks: “Let there be light.”
John 1:1–3 and John 8:12 reveal Jesus as the eternal Word through whom everything was created and the Light of the world. Whoever follows Him need not walk in darkness.
Romans 13:8–12 tells us that love fulfills God’s law. The night is passing and the day is near, so we are to put aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Luke 14:25–33 reminds us that following Jesus requires commitment. Like someone building a tower or a king preparing for battle, a disciple must count the cost.
Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.
And Philippians 2:12–18 brings these truths together: we are to work out our salvation knowing that God is already at work within us, enabling us to shine like stars in a dark world.
Message: Today we explore what lightens our load for the journey with Jesus and illuminates the path of our spiritual development. Jesus tells us to count the cost. Following Him is not passive. Having seen the possibilities, considered the risks, and heard His call, we step forward in faith, empowered by grace.
The book of Romans tells us what this life looks like. We put aside darkness and clothe ourselves with light. Instead of being controlled by anger, fear, resentment, or sin, we increasingly become creatures of the Light of Christ, loving God and loving our neighbor. But here is the wonderful mystery. Philippians says, “work out your own salvation,” and then immediately reminds us that God is at work in us. We participate, but God transforms. We walk, but Christ lights the path. We say yes, but grace provides the power.
And So, We are both players and spectators in the mystery of salvation. We must get in the game, but we also recognize that the lasting changes within us are ultimately God’s work. When we sense God working on some part of our life, join Him there. Say yes. Take the next faithful step. Let Scripture light the path and the Holy Spirit do His transforming work. And perhaps that gives us a different perspective on the theology of election and the election of our politicians. Political elections come and go. Their consequences matter. But the election that matters eternally is God’s gracious choosing to love us in Christ.
The most important decision has already been made. God has said, “Let there be light.” Christ has said, “I am the light of the world.” Now we are called to walk in that Light and share it with others.
Pray we become an outworking of God’s working in us. Pray the burdens of darkness are lifted from our lives. Pray Scripture lights our path and the Spirit gives us wisdom to count the cost and make faithful decisions. Pray we put aside anger, fear, isolation, and darkness and become people of love and light. Pray we rest in the assurance that salvation is God’s work even as we faithfully participate in it. Pray we remember that the election that matters most is God’s gracious choice to love us in Jesus Christ. Pray we therefore live joyfully, patiently, and faithfully as people of the Light.
Blessings,
John Lawson
