Lent Week 3
Light & Life
Lent is a period of 40 days that prepares us to celebrate Easter. Each week of Lent we’re praying as a church, asking God to ready hearts to commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Lent is also a time to be aware of things holding us back from the abundant life God desires for us, and to surrender any areas of life we’re holding back from God. It’s a moment to renew our commitment to him. Central to Lent is the idea that we need God’s Presence throughout our whole lives, every single day.
This week we’re reading from the Book of Ephesians. The passage reminds us of things that steal the true joy that God desires for his people. It encourages us to not compromise our commitment to the way of Jesus, which offers light and life for our world.
Scripture
Ephesians 5:1-20
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure, or greedy person – such a person is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But 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.’
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer
God of light and love
give me insight
to discern your will for me,
to give up what harms me,
to walk in the way of the cross,
and find it as the way of life and peace.
Help me by your Spirit
to seek the abundant life I am promised
in Jesus Christ my Lord,
Amen