REDEEMING THE TIME

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16

What does it mean to redeem, or buy up the time? We need to allow the Spirit full access into our lives that He, working in us of the Father’s will and purpose, might use every day, regardless of its testing and travail, to accomplish that specific purpose pertinent to that day. There are no lost moments in God’s divine economy.

We read of John the Baptist, “He was a burning and shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light” (John 5:35). When John first appeared out of the wilderness, a spectacular figure, clothed with camel’s hair, and a leather girdle about his loins, “then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan” (Matthew 3:4). John preached repentance and the people rejoiced in the light of his message. There were those who “redeemed the time,” accepted the message of that day, and allowed it to work in them. Others rejoiced in his light for a season, but did not allow his light to penetrate into their being, so they were not ready for the next ‘‘time.’’ Truth is progressive, and eventually John preached to them to turn to the Christ, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes one who is preferred before me’” (John. 1:29-30).

A new time had come, but some were not ready to “buy it up,” they could not pay the price for the in-workings of that day. Those who did walked on into a new realm, from the discipleship of John into the discipleship of Christ. Every day has its message, its purpose and its victory. We need to walk in the truth, and we need to pray that each day will fulfill its purpose in us, then we will be ready, fully prepared for whatever the morrow shall bring. Sad, indeed, are the words, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (Jeremiah 8:20). There was a time, but it was squandered, and they suffered loss. “Now is the accepted time,” (2 Corinthians 6:2) for new victories in Christ.

From “Daily Overcoming”

Our Father, we thank You for the gift of each new day that You give to us. Help us to redeem the time to minister to those we encounter so that we may share the hope and joy that we have in You while glorifying Your Name in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.