Why Redeem The Time?

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:16

Why should we ‘redeem the time?’  As the Apostle Paul is writing to the Ephesians regarding the practical application of what it means to be ‘in Christ,’ he has come to the point where he has challenged them to ‘redeem the time.’  To ‘redeem the time’ is to have a sense of urgency about the promotion of the Person and Work of Christ with an eye toward advancing His Kingdom and building His Church.  It prompts us to look to Him daily to bring us into contact with those to whom we can practically minister.  By these divine appointments God works to draw these people unto Himself to build His Church.  Paul’s reason for us to have a sense of urgency regarding the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom is ‘because the days are evil.’  On the day of Pentecost, Peter indicated that the last days had arrived.  We have no idea how long those days will last, but, we understand that the spiritual environment will grow worse and worse.  This means that in the larger scheme of things, the remaining life expectancy of this world is relatively short.  It is for this reason that Paul challenged the Ephesians to ‘redeem the time.’  If this was their challenge it has become our challenge.  Therefore we make much of Christ.

Our Eternal God and Heavenly Father,
we rejoice that You know the end from the beginning.
We praise You, that You will continue
to be faithful unto us throughout all our days
and unto eternity.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning