The picture above was taken on Kentucky Lake when the sun was 18° below the horizon. In that time of day known as astronomical twilight. Basically, this is the time where the light from the sun begins to refract across the atmosphere. The sunrise is still about 90 minutes away. If you are outside, you still cannot see well but feel the fact that the day is ready to break. If you have had opportunity to be outside during this time of day, you know the anticipation of which I write. The day feels just moments away. As day breaks, a new day begins.

The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of the breaking day in a critical passage in Romans. Consider what he writes:

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Rom 13:11-14)

Notice how he also points our attention to those anticipatory moments right before daybreak. Let me highlight a few key terms and ideas:

• Knowing the time – it is high time to awake – the night is far spent, the day is at hand: Without clocks, watches, cell phones, or any other way to tell the time in this ancient day, Paul and those in Rome would feel the morning. After laying in bed overnight, they would begin to anticipate that the night was almost over. In just mere moments, it would be daybreak.
• Works of darkness – armor of light: Here Paul uses a military context. Battles would not be fought overnight. Instead, as the day would break, the battle would begin again. He is saying to these warriors, “Get up. Get your armor on! The battle will begin soon!” He emphasizes the importance of getting ready, having the armor on, and anticipating the day.
• For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed: Paul refers to the return of Christ as the daybreak we all await. He emphasizes the importance of being ready as the return of Jesus is nearly here.

As Followers of Christ, Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

As those who await the return of Jesus Christ, Paul implores us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. He explains that we need to cast off those attitudes, beliefs, affections, and actions that do not honor the Lord (i.e., works of darkness), and, instead, put on the Lord Jesus. He exhorts us to not just simply put on the Lord Jesus, but to also make no provision for the flesh. In other words, starve the flesh as a means of preparing for the day’s battle and ultimately the return of Jesus Christ.

Friends, as this day and week begins, let me encourage you as well. The night if far spent; the day is at hand! Jesus will return soon. Therefore, put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Think like Him, Love like Him, and Act like Him. Live this day and week for Jesus Christ.