Wednesday, 3/26/2014 God Pause Ephesians 5:8-14 The letter to the Ephesians was most likely written some 50 years after Jesus death and resurrection. By this time, splits had developed among Christians, partly as the result of a major break among Jewish groups over the place of Jesus and also the emergence of Gentile churches. Struggles also arose at this time because of interference by the Roman emperors in the eastern Mediterranean. I mention this in order that we might understand some of the emphases and issues among the Ephesians and others. For example, see the contrasts of old and new walks of life. Christians are to make a witness to Christ through good deeds in order to reach new converts. (Ephesians 5:8-9: Live not as children of the dark but of the light, which leads to the good, the right and the true.) The unity that belongs to the faith community is to result in new lives of love. The mission of the church is to reach others for Christ through the lives and witness of Christians. Sometimes our Lenten focus directs us toward a narrow piety and devotion. This is challenged by the community emphases of the various Christian groups to which the letter to the Ephesians was sent. Lord God, help us lead lives worthy of the calling to which we have been called. Amen. Marc Kolden Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology Ephesians 5:8-14 (NRSV) 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out 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 mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 03:50:45 +0000
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