The Scrutiny of the day

The night is a period of total darkness, when one is not expected to conduct certain affairs or businesses. It is a period in the life of man, when he is expected to be at total rest from his labours, to rejuvenate and receive strength to face the tasks and scrutiny of the incoming daylight hours. However some use their night hours to carry out evil works and go about, as Paul puts it “…. in revelry and drunkenness, … in lewdness and lust, …. in strife and envy” (Romans 13:13) They go about conjuring, doing things that are not convenient and cannot bear the scrutiny of the day, walking around corners, dodging and hiding.

On the contrary, the day or light connotes a period of work and walking in the light of the Lord, in confidence, dedication and worship. It is a period that dispels darkness and brings on the light, clearing the atmosphere of doom and gloom. As Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:8 – 9 “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),” (ESV). This is the time when the evil of the night is overcome with goodness of the day.

Light needs to be put on! Putting on the light should be a deliberate effort! When you enter a darkened room, your first thought or action is to put on the light! As such, by your action, you defeat darkness and bring on the light. Then you will see your way clearly and not fall. As a child of God, you should take deliberate steps to walk in the light in order to defeat the darkness and its deeds.

Therefore I ask, can your life bear the scrutiny of the day (light)? Are you able to stand in the light of the day without cringing, looking for a place to hide? What works will the day catch you doing? Romans 13:12 tells us, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” The coming of Jesus Christ is at hand! Jesus Christ is the light of all mankind. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:5. So when He comes, what will He meet you doing? Let us, as soldiers of Christ be battle ready, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:12 – 13. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 19: 4 – 6. Therefore let us stand firm and walk in the light, so that when the day of the Lord comes, He will commend and welcome us into His Kingdom.

May the Lord bless and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore. Amen.

Prayer: Lord grant me the grace to always walk in the light in all my ways, so that when you come, you will meet me standing firm and welcome me into your Kingdom.

©Bola Olowe, Grace Leadership Foundation. Monday 1, November 2021.