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 "And
that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of
sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we
believed." (Rom. 13:11) The sentiments of this verse seem
especially appropriate as we contemplate the beginning oĢ a new
year. Not, of course, that calendar dates mean that much to
those who should be "always abounding in the work of the
Lord", but such dates can serve as effective reminders.
Properly redeeming the time (Eph. 5:16) begins with knowing the
time in the way that Paul speaks of here. Just what all knowing
the time involves is not detailed in this context, but it
certainly would include such things as God reveals in other
Bible passages.
For
instance, God tells us that life is but for a "little
time" (Jas. 4:14). Knowing the time, then, is to be mindful
of its limited supply. Almost every time I see a scoreboard,
clock ticking off the seconds remaining in a ballgame, I am
reminded that at the same time it is ticking off the seconds and
minutes remaining in my life and that is sobering! Even when
considered in its entirety, life is brief as James says. But
think of the time that is forever gone in our past life; think
in terms of "the rest of your time in the flesh" (1
Pet. 4:2) and you will appreciate what Paul says about the time
being shortened (1 Cor. 8:29). Knowing the time is to know that
there is precious little of it to begin with or remaining.
Right NOW we have less time than ever before; NOW our salvation
is nearer than ever before. That is why we must awake out of our
lethargy and indifference to redeem the time.
But
more than seeing it in short supply,
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knowing the time means counting it as
opportunity, as our text implies. The sounding alarm not only
means "wake up!" it also means "get up and get
with it!" for there is much to be done, a battle to be won.
Spiritually speaking, it means busying ourselves with putting
off the things of darkness and putting on the things of light
(v.12) while we can while we have opportunity. In fact,
"redeeming the time" in Eph. 5:16 is literally,
"buying up the opportunity" (see ASV footnote). As
Jesus has said, we must work "while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work." (Jn. 9:4). Whether our
"night" be the end of time, the grave or the
infirmities of old age, it surely "cometh" and, with
it, the end of opportunity. All too soon the present becomes the
past; its wasted opportunities become haunting regrets. As those
knowing the time; as those who hear God's alarm clock ringing,
we must remain opportunity - conscious while it is day.
Finally,
knowing the time means to appreciate it as an expression of
God's longsuffering. Why does God allow us to continue here?
Simply because He is "not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).
Therefore, we "account that the longsuffering of our Lord
is salvation" (v. 15); i.e., opportunity to repent and
serve and be saved. God waits, as in the days of Noah. Each of
us determines, in our own case, whether He waits in vain. As the
scoreboard clock reminds us, time is running out. No time-outs
left. Tick... Tick... Tick...
Dan Shipley
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