Romans 13:11-14 (TPT) Living in the Light
11 To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation [wholeness] is nearer now than when we first believed.
12 Night’s darkness is dissolving away as a new day of destiny dawns [revealed by those in Christ]. So we must once and for all strip away what is done in the shadows of darkness, removing it like filthy clothes. And once and for all we clothe ourselves with the radiance of light as our weapon. 13 We must live honorably [walking with our Designer], surrounded by the light of this new day, not in the darkness of drunkenness [worldly intoxication] and debauchery [false gods] not in promiscuity and sensuality [loose conduct], not being argumentative or jealous of others.
14 Instead fully immerse yourselves into [clothed with] the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and don’t waste even a moment’s thought on your former identity to awaken its selfish desires.
As you observe the things going on in the world, do you have the overwhelming feeling like darkness is increasing and time is running out? If so, my friends, this is our finest hour to live in Christ’s anointing—to walk in alignment with Christ’s teachings, as well as using our gifts with divine power. Jesus will come when the depravity and cruelty of humanity rises before God’s nostrils and he says, “ENOUGH!” The world needs the Light—Jesus—and people will become more aware of it as darkness increases.
Jesus told the crowds, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk [be driven or pushed] in darkness.” Then, he turns to his disciples who are following him and says, “And you, beloved, are the light of the world…You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it” (Mat. 5:14-15).
In our passage today, Paul essentially tells the Roman church to be people of the morning. In the midst of the darkness, the sun rises. If time is actually running out, my friends, it simply means Christ is coming for his Bride—to collect all the Light-bearers in one powerful and miraculous move. May we illumine creation for the glory of our Father. May others never doubt our devotion to God, but be contagiously drawn toward salvation.
Prayer: Lord, as your children of Light, we notice the darkness of sin increasing in your world. Yet, we are not afraid, because your Word promises as the darkness of sin increases your graces rises above it. Therefore, our response to the darkness is to immerse ourselves in Christ and shine the Light everywhere we go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.