ESOCS Devotional 24 November 2025 – Rise and Shine
MEMORY VERSE: “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” Isaiah 60:1
TEXT: ISAIAH 60:1-END
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
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Isaiah 60:1 declares, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This powerful proclamation serves as a call for action, renewal, and transformation, both individually and collectively as the Body of Christ. It challenges believers to step out of darkness, embrace the divine light of God’s presence, and reflect His glory in their lives and the world. Israel had been through periods of despair, suffering, and exile; yet, this chapter speaks of restoration and hope. God is promising a future where His glory will visibly shine upon His people, bringing peace and prosperity. This prophecy is not just for Israel but extends to all who believe in Christ, the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promise to shine light in the world.
When Isaiah says, “Arise, shine,” it’s an instruction for believers to move out of passivity. We are called to stand up in faith, leaving behind complacency, despair, or fear. The command to “shine” is a reminder that we are meant to reflect God’s light, not generate it ourselves. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Here, Christ confirms that we are vessels of God’s glory, called to shine for others to see His love, mercy, and righteousness through our actions.
This light Isaiah speaks of is none other than Jesus Christ. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” When we embrace Christ, we receive this life-giving light, and it becomes our identity and purpose. We no longer dwell in the shadows of sin, but we step into the illumination of grace and truth, destined to reflect this light in a dark world. Furthermore, this light is transformative. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” This scripture emphasizes that the light Isaiah speaks of is deeply personal. It begins in the heart, where God’s glory transforms us from within. As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, that internal light radiates outward, changing not only us but also the world around us.
However, Isaiah 60:1 also implies responsibility. If we are to ‘arise and shine’, we must intentionally walk in righteousness. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Living as children of light means rejecting the works of darkness and aligning our lives with God’s will. It’s a call to live holy and blameless lives, continually growing in faith, love, and obedience to God.
In conclusion, Isaiah 60:1 is a rallying cry for every believer. It is a message of hope, empowerment, and responsibility. God has given us His light in the person of Jesus Christ; and now, it’s our turn to arise, stand firm in faith, and let that light shine. By doing so, we fulfil our purpose, reflect God’s glory, and bring His transforming power into the lives of others. Let us embrace this calling and live as radiant witnesses of God’s eternal light in a world that desperately needs it.
CHALLENGES
- True repentance and godliness is what makes us the light of God on earth. Think about it.
PRAYER POINT
- Shine brightly into our lives and rid our hearts of every dark blot.
FURTHER READING: Job 31:21-40; Hebrews 11:14-26; Revelation 19:1-End
ESOCS Devotional 24 November 2025
