Wednesday night in our LIFE lessons class we talked about how God has used imagery, symbols, parables, shadows, religious practices, cultural depictions, as well as words in Scripture to teach us about his character and motives. Scripture is God’s self-revelation. A type, symbol, shadow, etc. may be the avenue God uses to send a prophetic foretelling of future events. Our heavenly Father remains excited about his plans for us, so he has dropped hints throughout Scripture to prepare us. I love the hints, but most of the time they lack specific details which I am convinced is on purpose so we do not get ahead of the leadership of the Lord.
Just as Moses was sent to Egypt, by God, to deliver and lead God’s people of faith out of bondage, God sent Jesus from heaven to deliver and lead God’s people of faith out of bondage to sin and death. Moses provides a shadow of the work Christ will finish 500 years in the future. We know Christ is the Deliverer and that no evil can stand before him. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be delivered from evil every day. However, we need to receive that grace and power by faith through our positive response to his work—obedience.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul wants us to understand God has given us a lot of details (not just hints) as to how we are supposed to live as believers. Father wants us to create a life-style of worship—living according to the holy covenant by the Lord’s power and strength. If we choose to be holy, it means we must separate from the ways of the world and face the struggle in order to conquer sin. Also, if we choose to be holy, it means we are separated or set apart for God or to be his representatives in this fallen world. Because of sin, our image musts be transformed. To be holy, by the work of the Holy Spirit, is to be made in God’s image once again.
Ephesians 4:17-24 NLT Living as Children of Light
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the shadows, as well as details you have provided throughout Scripture, so we know how you desire for us to live and reflect your character and attitudes. Christ has made things very clear through his lifestyle and sacrifice. Please help us to live the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.