Reading: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

Paul’s words, “the days are evil,” are an apt summary of the twenty-first century. 

These times are marked by wickedness and sin and are full of peril for the Christian. The world, never a friend to grace, is displaying more of its antagonism to grace. The gospel is ridiculed and refused and ungodliness is rampant and raging. Such a situation can produce discouragement in the heart of a Christian. The increasing recklessness in sin combined with the increasing carelessness about salvation leaves many believers wondering, “Can things ever change?” Satan plays up the wickedness of men to discourage believers. He knows despairing Christians are largely inactive and weak. However, the Christian is not to look at the evil days and think there is nothing he should or can do; rather, because the days are evil, he is to redeem the time. This statement has the idea of buying up the minutes.

When Nehemiah surveyed Jerusalem and comprehended the desolation that surrounded him, he gave himself at once to the work of rebuilding the walls and his infectious zeal spread throughout Jerusalem. Others joined his crusade, worked tirelessly, and completed the work in hand. He redeemed the time. Christ never wasted a moment, never spent time unwisely, never became distracted or sidetracked in his work. He, above all others, redeemed the time. This remains God’s call to us. Is there something we can do for the Lord? Is there a work that demands our attention and requires our effort? If so, let us redeem the time.

We have opportunity to serve, so let us grasp it. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

“We speak of spending time, the Bible speaks of buying it.” John Blanchard

Taken from A Word in Season edited by Alan Cairns, 2010. Used by permission.