… redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
These are unusual times - schedules are off, things are not getting done, and it seems difficult to move forward. How do we redeem THIS time, this time that we find ourselves in that is not to our choosing?
The word for time in this passage, kairos, does not suggest chronologic hours or days, but rather a point in time. It has also been interpreted as opportunity. Paul is instructing the Ephesian church to redeem their current situation. And what situation was that? Persecution and hardship.
Exagarazo, to redeem or purchase, is a marketplace term. What did I get for my time? What have I done with this opportunity?
When I look back and see how I have spent my time recently, I see some missed opportunities. At first, I ignored the unique situation thinking it would be short-lived and would pass. I was busy at work as a health care provider. I was busy at home with some personal projects and responsibilities. And I was just busy in general as some things now just took more time. Busy. Too busy to really appreciate the unique opportunity this presented for myself as a believer and for the church as a whole.
Paul doesn’t encourage us to take advantage of our opportunities in spite of it being more difficult. He says to do it because it is a difficult situation, Redeem the time … because the days are evil. We, as believers, are uniquely equipped to bring hope, love and truth into hard places.
Joseph was sold into slavery, but God raised him up to save his people. What was meant for evil, God used for good. The Jewish people were on the verge of slaughter, but Esther redeemed the situation by using the opportunity God gave her. Paul, imprisoned, used his time to write and encourage the churches.
Currently, a local church is utilizing those shut in for covid safety to reach out to others by phone, redeeming their time to help others. The list goes on – utilizing a stalled schedule to re-organize the house, get in shape, connect with distant loved ones through technology. Any of that can and should be used for His glory. Maybe God is preparing His church for something during this pause.
I want to make use of this time - this situation - not allowing it to go to waste. God has allowed me to be here for a reason. I should look at each day in the same way.
How would God have me spend this time, make use of today’s opportunities? This season will pass, but rest assured we will all have moments of opportunity where the landscape looks unfamiliar and maybe unpleasant. Let’s be sure and redeem the time today, purchasing something good with it.
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
