We have a measurement of darkness

 

1Thessalonians 5:4-11

Darkness is an interesting word, it is the absence or lack of light, and it is referred to as wickedness or evil: the forces of darkness.  In my home are what we call night lights, they are not very bright but when all other sources of light are removed they guide you to   bathroom and back to the bed.  I read that it is impossible to measure darkness, but is that really true?  I have a feeling that each of us somewhere in our mind has a measurement of the darkness we live around everyday.  Yes, you have a measurement for what you call evil, and yours may be different from your neighbors, but we all have one, even the worst of criminals have a code of what is wrong and right.  It may be distorted but it is still a measurement of the darkness.

As we look at these verses, we observe that the apostle is addressing people who are no longer in the darkness, and he refers to them as children of the light.  So we must ask what does that mean?  Is it referred to elsewhere in the Bible, and the answer is yes, we have these words from our Lord: “So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer.  Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.  The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may becomes sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)  As one who has been a teacher, it is always nice to have a Thomas who asks the questions that the others will not ask.  Thomas ask Jesus to give some clarity as to where he was going, and how they would know the way, this is Jesus reply; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)  We must understand that Jesus did not leave us in the dark, in John 8:12b, Jesus spoke these words; “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Is our problem with interpretation and application of 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 derived from our lack of understanding or our poor memory?  Have we forgotten the truth found in Ephesians 5:8, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light.”  You and I were once in darkness, we have come into the light, but often I do not live as a child of the light.  In fact if you attend most Baptist churches on any Sunday, you would believe that all of us were mega lights in our neighborhoods.  That is until you tried to exit the parking lot.  And that is why the apostle Paul said in so many words, it’s all about application, in Ephesians 5:15-17, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 

So wake-up and quit coning yourself, your light source is found only in Christ!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice