Redeeming the Time

During our walk on planet earth ‘time’ is a finite dimension. While in academia I was deeply involved in Industrial Economics and the Theory of Constraints. The primary constraint as well as the primary opportunity in industry is nearly always the dimension of time. Time can be either a period of time or a specific point on the unending time span. The Bible introduces this dimension in the first chapter of the Bible.

“…Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years…”
Genesis 1:14

Time is both determined and consumed by the earth’s annual journey around the sun. The final chapter of the Bible further tells us that in the age of ages there will no longer be need of the sun either for light or time measurement.

“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light…”
Revelation 22:4

The Bible teaches the concept of using the time opportunity wisely because the day is approaching when ‘time will be no more.’

“The angel whom I saw standing on the sea…raised up his hand to heaven and swore…that there should be delay (time) no longer…the mystery of God would be finished…”
Revelation 10:5-7

The concept of using time wisely is found throughout the Bible. Perhaps the best known reference is found in Paul’s writings.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17

The term ‘redeem’ is from the Greek exagorazo and in reference to time means to use all the time available prudently to fulfill the will of God knowing the day is approaching when such opportunity will end. Paul also stresses that the will of God may not coincide with the ways of the world.

“…And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2

While our president has stated that we are no longer a Christian nation, the majority of Americans still believe we are. The question then arises, do we take Christianity seriously? Inasmuch as the Bible outlines succinctly what the future holds, do we conduct ourselves in such a way as to align our present efforts with future known history? We say we believe in both the humanity and deity of Jesus but do we really take Him and His teachings seriously? Do we involve Him and His doctrine in the conduct of this nation’s business or do we relegate Him as an ancillary influence on our personal lives? Do we really believe the following?

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you…’”
Matthew 28:18-20

“For the Father…has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”
John 5:22-23

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
Matthew 12:30

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
John 14:15

The day is approaching when Jesus will enforce His authority. He will not rule according to opinion polls, nor avoid offending anyone.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
Revelation 19:11-15

Knowing the above is the true word of God and its fulfillment is sure, are we really redeeming the time?

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near…Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him…for He will abundantly pardon.”
Isaiah 55:6-7

It is truly a mystery why we as a nation do not align our efforts and priorities according to that which has already been determined and written. Have we become an apostate nation? Recall such ‘falling away’ is a prerequisite for the ‘Great Day of the Lord’. The time is growing nigh and the future of our existing national efforts and priorities is clearly outlined in chapter 18 in the final book of the Bible.

Our secretary of the treasury Timothy Geithner commented recently relative to extending the national debt limit, “Congress can’t buy time.” That is an excellent example of an unintended prophetic utterance.

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