A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

CHRIST SHINES ON YOU!

Ephesians 5:13-14 “. . . everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”      Jairus’ daughter was gravely ill. He sought out Jesus hoping for a miraculous cure for his daughter. However, while waiting to speak with Jesus to request His assistance, Jairus was told his daughter had died. Jesus told Jairus to “not be afraid, just believe.” Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him to Jairus’ home. Upon arrival Jesus said to those assembled, “. . . this child is not dead, only asleep.” Jesus took the child’s parents and his disciples to her bedside. He said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around . . .” (Mark 5:35-43)   

The dead girl had no ability to respond to Jesus’ words. She received the return of life through the power of Jesus’ words to her. Prior to your baptism you were dead in your trespasses and sin. (Colossians 2:13) Through the power of God’s word connected to the water of Holy Baptism you received a new life. “(You) were therefore buried with Him (Jesus) through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, (you) too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)   

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in (your) heart to give (you) the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” This is what your read just days ago in Ephesians 5:8, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”  

By the power of God’s word, like Jairus’ daughter received a new life so you, by the power of the Gospel also have received new life. The light of Christ has shined in your heart and driven away the darkness of unbelief and sin. You now walk as a child of God in the light of Christ. 

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for Your powerful Gospel Word that has driven the darkness of sin and unbelief from my heart and given me the Light of Life in You. Amen. 

Light of Light, O Sole Begotten Radiance of the Father’s face,
Word made flesh, who lived among us Full of truth and full of grace,
Shine upon our human darkness; Pierce the night that shrouds our race. 

Word eternal, through Your being God created all we see,
When the empty spaces echoed With the Father’s “Let there be”
Light and life burst from the glorious Power of Your majesty! 

Still Your brooding Spirit hovers Over chaos dark and deep,
Calling out with invitation; “Rise, awaken from your sleep;
Christ the Lord will shine upon you And from death your soul shall keep.” 

Come, Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit In our hearts Your work begin,
Bring the healing restoration Of Your image lost by sin;
From Your fullness all receiving Grace on grace, new life within!  (LSB 914)