Monday February 15, 2021

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

For you are all sons of light and sons of the day. We’re not of the night or of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:5

Reflection: One day, Jesus will return to earth in all His Glory, and will take with Him to Heaven His people who are waiting for Him on earth. For all of Christ’s believers, this is a day that we look forward to, because we are assured of great joy in the Presence of our Savior face-to-face. Until that day, we are to wait diligently for Him, continuing to live in faithfulness to our Lord. The Apostle Paul teaches that we are “sons of light and sons of the day,” and must live accordingly. This means that we belong to the Light of the World. Because we belong to Jesus and not to the world, we are to resemble Him in likeness and heavenly character. It is one thing to physically look like family, and quite another to act like family. Often, close family members or friends share similar mannerisms. While each person will always have his or her own quirks, personality, and interests, the unit shares similar perspectives or forms similar habits or lifestyle. Likewise, we as Christ’s Family are to reflect in character our close relationship with Christ.

Do we look like our Lord? Do our actions, speech, and thoughts carry His Name well? Do others see the resemblance between us and our Savior? We were born bearing God’s own image, but we are also commanded by Him to be more than just His Creation. We have been called to be His Family through His Son. While no one can ever reach perfection in thought, word, and deed as Jesus, time spent with Him transforms those closest to Him to bear His image more clearly. When we spend time with Jesus (through worship, prayer, and study of His Word) and practice our faith in our everyday living, we begin to resemble Him. Believer, do not fall asleep! Commit to living as a child of the day so that when Christ calls, you will not only have ears of faith to hear Him, but also bear resemblance to Him and the Family of God.

Prayer: Father, what a joy and privilege it is to be a part of Your Family, to be Your child through the Work of Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Grace, which brings me near to You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, Who transforms me to Your Likeness. I want to resemble You, Lord. I long to honor Your Name everyday. I pray that You would saturate my day with thoughts of You and grow me in faith to reflect Your Truth and Love. I pray these things in Jesus’ Precious Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): 1 Thessalonians 5; Isaiah 23-24; Psalm 116