Tuesday, May 23, 2023
because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says: “Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. 16 Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. 17 So don’t be foolish but understand what the Lord wants. 18 Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit 19 by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. 20 Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ. Ephesians 5:14 – 21
Be filled with the Spirit! Here, Paul contrasts being filled with the Spirit with being filled with spirits, wine. On the Day of Pentecost, the people of Jerusalem thought the Disciples were drunk because of their behavior; Peter had to inform them that they weren’t drunk on wine but filled with the Holy Spirit. But here, Paul gives several insights into the infilling of the Holy Spirit. People filled with the Spirit recite Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; people at the bar are known to break out in song too. Spirit filled people are grateful for everything; people at the bar are often filled with complaints about their lives. Spirit-filled people submit to each other; people at the bar often break out into brawls. Interesting.
Within me, God has implanted the tiny seed of His Kingdom, a foretaste of Heaven, the Holy Spirit. Yet, do people see it? Know it? I would love to be confused with those who are drunk like at Pentecost; I would love for others to see Christ, the Spirit of Christ, in me. I’m afraid what they see is less Christian and more bar-ish! O God, fill me again this day! Let the river of your Spirit bubble up within me today that I may know and that others might see. Amen!
007talewis 