“For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’” (Eph. 5:14).
Paul concludes this section on light with a relevant quotation which mirrors the scriptural emphasis of verses like Isaiah 9:2, 26:19, and 52:1. It is possible that what Paul is quoting is an early Christian hymn taken from various Old Testament texts. Thus we have here a fragment of a hymn which may have actually been used when new believers were baptized, since baptism and coming to Christ are both spoken of in terms of enlightenment.
If you study the verse closely you will discover three different metaphors for coming to Christ. First, it is like being awakened from sleep. Second, salvation is likened to being raised from the dead. In chapter two Paul spoke of sin in terms of spiritual death and thus it is appropriate that he speak of salvation as being risen from the dead. Finally, salvation is like the dawning of a new day. This fits well with the dominant theme of light and darkness which has dominated this section.
Have you been awakened from sleep and raised from the dead? Are you walking in the radiance of a new day with Christ?
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your Son to give me Light and Life. Amen.