Tony’s Soldiers of Light Sundays: The Afterglow of the Resurrection — Living as Light-Bearers in a Dark World

Two Sundays ago, we stood at the empty tomb and rejoiced in the risen Savior. We shouted “He is risen!” and clung to the hope that came bursting forth from that garden grave. But what now? What happens in the days after the resurrection? What does it mean to live as resurrected people in a still-wounded, still-weary world?

This is the heartbeat of today’s message: We are light-bearers, called to reflect the victory of Jesus in how we live, love, and lead. We do not walk as people in darkness—we walk in resurrection light.

And fittingly, today is also May 4th—Star Wars Day, when many fans worldwide echo the phrase: "May the Fourth Be With You." As followers of Christ, we can borrow from that sentiment and boldly declare: “May the Light Be With You.” We are not guided by the Force—we are led by faith. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our light isn’t cinematic fiction—it’s eternal truth.

Resurrection is Not the End. It’s the Beginning.

The resurrection of Jesus wasn’t a period—it was a comma. A transition. A divine turning point. From that moment on, everything changed. Not just spiritually, but historically, culturally, and eternally.

It empowered broken fishermen to become bold apostles. It transformed women weeping at the tomb into first messengers of the Gospel. It gave voice to the voiceless, dignity to the marginalized, and hope to generations still unborn.

We, too, live in that afterglow.

Living as Light-Bearers in a Dark World

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 (NKJV):

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

This means that in every space we enter—workplace, family, church, street corner, or courtroom—we don’t just represent ourselves. We represent the resurrected Christ.

So how do we live like resurrection people?

1. Walk in Boldness, Not Fear

Just as the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit after the resurrection, we are given the same power to walk boldly. The world is loud with fear and uncertainty, but our faith must be louder. Not arrogant. Not noisy. But deeply rooted and unshakable.

2. Speak Life Where There’s Death

The resurrection was God’s ultimate “NO” to death. So as His soldiers, we must speak life:

• Into our families

  
  

• Into our dreams

  
  

• Into our communities

  
  

• Into our politics and pulpits

  
  

• Into the next generation

Every word we speak should be seeded with hope, because we know what it's like to come out of a tomb.

3. Uplift Others in the Power of Love

Love was the reason for the cross, and it’s the reason we rise each day. Men and women alike are called to carry this resurrection love into their families, relationships, work, and witness. From the cradle to the cross to the empty grave, love leads.

We are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, leaders and servants—all redeemed to be light-bearers.

Biblical Figures Who Lived in Resurrection Light

Mary Magdalene — The First Witness

The first person to preach the risen Christ was a woman who had once been bound by seven demons. She didn’t just witness a miracle—she became the message. Courageously, she ran to tell the others. Her story is proof: God often chooses the marginalized to magnify His glory.

Peter — From Denial to Destiny

The same man who denied Christ three times became a pillar of the early church. He wept bitterly, repented deeply, and rose mightily. His life proves that resurrection restores our courage and reclaims our purpose.

The Samaritan Woman — A Light in a Dark Place

She was an outcast, spoken about more than spoken to. Yet after meeting Jesus, she became an evangelist to her entire city. She shows us that it’s not where you come from—it’s Who you meet at the well.

Joseph of Arimathea — Boldness in the Background

He risked his reputation and standing to honor the body of Jesus. Quiet courage is no less powerful—it is just as anointed.

Modern Light-Bearers in Our Time

Let’s lift the names of people who reflect Christ’s victory through boldness, brilliance, and faith:

• Shirley Chisholm — “Unbought and unbossed.” Her political courage was rooted in moral clarity.

  
  

• Harriet Tubman — Her faith was her compass as she led hundreds to freedom by the light of the North Star.

  
  

• Martin Luther King Jr. — A prophet of justice who spoke resurrection light into racial darkness.

  
  

• Fannie Lou Hamer — She stared down oppression and proclaimed, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” yet kept fighting for voter rights with a holy fire.

  
  

• Contemporary believers in your pews, households, and communities — educators, fathers, students, single parents, authors, and visionaries who walk out the resurrection with every step they take.

In S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™

The characters in the S.O.L.A.D.™ universe aren’t fictional for the sake of fiction. They are spiritual blueprints. They symbolize the real power of resurrected living:

• Kevin Edwards (Angelo) — A leader who bears the responsibility of light-bearing in a time of darkness. His sacrifices and mission reflect the resurrection calling of courage, righteousness, and resolve.

  
  

• Juanita Grayson (Angeline) — Co-leader of S.O.L.A.D., whose strategic mind and unwavering faith anchor the team in both battle and belief.

  
  

• Wiseman J — A spiritual and intellectual guide, offering clarity and divine insight in critical moments.

  
  

• Melanie — A fighter with a fierce sense of purpose, whose loyalty and courage uplift those around her.

  
  

• Jeff: Ward of Law — A man of principle, wielding justice and righteousness as his weapons in both the seen and unseen realms.

  
  

They embody courage without cruelty, strength without surrender, and grace without apology.

Let There Be Light... Through Us

It’s not enough to celebrate the resurrection—we must live it out.

• Light up boardrooms with integrity

  
  

• Light up schools with mentorship

  
  

• Light up relationships with compassion

  
  

• Light up social media with encouragement

  
  

• Light up the world by living unapologetically resurrected

On this May the 4th, let’s do more than celebrate heroes from galaxies far, far away. Let’s rise as heroes of the faith—in this world, in this moment, guided not by the Force, but by the Light of Christ.

Closing Charge:

You’ve walked through Good Friday.You’ve stood at Resurrection Sunday.Now comes the mission: Be the light.

Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV) says:

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”

You, soldier of light, are not just reflecting the resurrection…You are continuing it.

Shine.

To Learn More

To explore powerful, faith-driven stories of heroes and heroines walking in light and purpose, visit the Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ book series at:www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop