Loins Girded: Light Shining

The darkest moment of the day is said to be the midnight, the point at which a new day begins to dawn. Coincidentally, that is the time most people tend to enjoy their sleep and would frown at any disturbance that may interfere with their cherished sleep and rest. However, this is the same hour that has been earmarked in the timetable of God for the arrival of the bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Fortunately for the church, there will be a midnight cry to wake us up from our slumber and to stay awake to receive the groom: no man is allowed to welcome the groom whilst sleeping. The call is clear and distinct: “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning” (Lk.12:35) why?

The midnight is an hour of complete spiritual unconsciousness, of inability to maintain a clear departure from worldliness, of spiritual insensitivity and lack of clear sight. It is an hour when spiritual thieves are quite rampant and dispossessing us of our spiritual values and pursuit if we are careless. The master’s instruction is “gird the loins of your heart. . “ 1Pet.1:13, that is tighten up to prevent the devil from polluting you with ungodly alternatives that now trade for God’s will. Tighten up against excesses; “and take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Lk.21:34. Materialism has practically overtaken us and this is nothing but an indication of the midnight hour: gird your heart!

Your light must be blazing, the outward manifestation of the inward grace, the presence of Jesus Christ, evidenced by your good works that is never tainted with flesh nor ungodly motive. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mt.5:16). Your light is not your eloquent speech, skills or charisma but outstanding and uncompromising godly character that showcase Christ. It must be so evident to vex the unrighteous in your community.

Oh that TODAY the child of God will discern that we are inching towards the midnight hour and the cry is blaring through many unusual events of our time (COVID-19, general unrest etc). It is time to refuel with the oil of the Spirit to keep the flame burning!