Monday, 17 October 2016
…redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
The word “redeeming” comes from the Greek word eksagorázō. It is a combination of two other words, ek, which indicates “completely out from.” This intensifies the word agorázō, which means, to “buy-up at the marketplace.” In this then, it indicates to “take full advantage of, seizing a buying-opportunity, i.e. making the most of the present opportunity (recognizing its future gain)” (HELPS Word Studies).
In the few hours that we have each day, in the short number of days we have each week, and in the quickly fading weeks, months, and years of our lives, we need to take advantage of the time we have been given, pursuing the greater and weightier matters which have eternal significance.
Instead of whining about what is bad, we should praise for what is good. Instead of moaning of our situation, we should be in prayer for the needs of others, and for the glory of God. Instead of reading novels which satisfy our minds for a moment, we should read and study God’s word which will enrich our souls for eternity. Rather than telling others about the latest sports statistics, we should tell others about the great deeds of the Lord and the love of God found in Christ Jesus. These are the type of things we should pursue in order to redeem the time.
And the reason why is “because the days are evil.” The world is a fallen place. Even when things are going really well for us individually, there is still death, sadness, and pain for others. When one person is becoming rich, others are in the process of losing all they have. A thousand planes may take off safely, but from time to time one will not reach its intended landing site. The tides rise and fall with regularity, but when it is unexpected, a tsunami may come and destroy the land. Man does not know the day of his death, and we can never say when we will meet a friend or family member for the last time.
Life application: The days are evil because they are unknown concerning the next moment. Joy may be ahead, but sadness may also be waiting there as well. It is our obligation to make the very most of each day for the positive work of the Lord, and for the sake of eternity which lies ahead. Our attitude should be, “Use me up now, Lord. My time is yours.”
Heavenly Father, our next breath is not guaranteed, and our next moment may be one of tragedy, sadness, loss, or pain. We do not know our end, and we cannot be assured of seeing a friend or loved one again. And so help us to redeem the time in these days of evil. Help us to realize that each trip in a car may take us where we need to go, or it may result in a trip to the morgue. Help us to have an eternal perspective at all times, knowing that our time in Your service is limited. “Use me up now, O Lord. This life is Yours.” This is our prayer today. Amen.