Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Text: Ephesians 5:16
OUR USE OF TIME
How do we use our time? Not everyone would be able to say that he has always been able to make the best use of his time. If we were honest, we would admit that we have wasted much time in useless pursuits. To spend time regretting would only waste more precious time.
A PRAYER FOR WISDOM TO UNDERSTAND TIME
None less than Moses made a humble plea to God to understand how to use time.
The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labour and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
PSALM 90:10, 12
REDEEMING THE TIME
Paul used an interesting word that has been translated “redeeming” (“exagorazomenoi”). This word has the idea of “buying” time. Imagine time being used as a monetary commodity (a barter trade). Whatever we wish to have, we pay in terms of time. What a fascinating idea behind the phrase “redeeming the time”.
The user of time must decide wisely and well. The days (“time”) are not in his favour. Time will just pass, whether we are making full use of it or not.
LEARNING FROM THE LORD JESUS
Jesus was ever conscious of the brief moment of time He had on earth. He had just three years of public ministry. That was not a long time at all. How did He redeem His time? Let us ponder the wisdom of His words.
I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day;
the night is coming when no one can work.
JOHN 9:4
1. Devoting time to doing the work assigned to Him
Jesus was most conscious of the work that His Father had given to Him to do. That consciousness enabled Him to stay fully focused.
2. Distractions are set aside completely
There was no point grieving that “the night was coming, when no one can work”. He had the day hours, and He would make full use of the time He had. He refused to be distracted by the taunts of His enemies. He refused to be discouraged by the lack of commitment from the multitudes. He delighted in the few disciples who loved Him and the word of God He taught them. Jesus is the Perfect Example of One who redeemed time well. Let us be challenged to wisely redeem our time.