Time. It's how we measure life, and life's events. There are time deadlines for projects and schoolwork. Appointments are set in calendars. Events last for specific periods of time. Some things exist or happen for a short time; others for a long time.
Time is irrelevant from the perspective of the Timeless One. But, we seek to measure His work and activity according to our timeline, and often that involves vast amounts of time.
"Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt." (Exodus 12.40-41)
Four hundred and thirty years. That's nearly twice the time the United States of America has existed. It's something that began in the late fifteen hundreds that ended today. So, imagine every generation in a particular region living and dying over that period of time, enduring a difficult and oppressive life. And yet, God was present and active in those times and events, bringing them to a conclusion according to His perfect timetable.
We easily look at "the signs of the times" and imagine that this period of human history is rapidly drawing to a close. And, perhaps (hopefully) it is. But, that conclusion may not come in our lifetime. Or the lifetime of our children. Or grandchildren. But, it is on track, and will conclude exactly as the Father has purposed.
The lessons are that we ought not to be presumptuous about time. Events do not march along as quickly as we think or imagine. But, time ought not to be wasted either. We live in a moment, and it may be the only moment of our mortal existence. So, we are called to make the most of the time (Ephesians 5.16). Seize the moment. Seize the day. Invest in the lives of others. Invest in things concerning the kingdom of God. Don't be discouraged in good work and activity, because "in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6.9)
Time is a gift. It is the gift of a few pennies from One who possesses countless billions and trillions. As such, these few must be wisely invested as prelude to the infinite immortality that wise stewards will be gifted with in the age to come.
May you invest wisely and well today in that which matters most.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Time is irrelevant from the perspective of the Timeless One. But, we seek to measure His work and activity according to our timeline, and often that involves vast amounts of time.
"Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt." (Exodus 12.40-41)
Four hundred and thirty years. That's nearly twice the time the United States of America has existed. It's something that began in the late fifteen hundreds that ended today. So, imagine every generation in a particular region living and dying over that period of time, enduring a difficult and oppressive life. And yet, God was present and active in those times and events, bringing them to a conclusion according to His perfect timetable.
We easily look at "the signs of the times" and imagine that this period of human history is rapidly drawing to a close. And, perhaps (hopefully) it is. But, that conclusion may not come in our lifetime. Or the lifetime of our children. Or grandchildren. But, it is on track, and will conclude exactly as the Father has purposed.
The lessons are that we ought not to be presumptuous about time. Events do not march along as quickly as we think or imagine. But, time ought not to be wasted either. We live in a moment, and it may be the only moment of our mortal existence. So, we are called to make the most of the time (Ephesians 5.16). Seize the moment. Seize the day. Invest in the lives of others. Invest in things concerning the kingdom of God. Don't be discouraged in good work and activity, because "in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6.9)
Time is a gift. It is the gift of a few pennies from One who possesses countless billions and trillions. As such, these few must be wisely invested as prelude to the infinite immortality that wise stewards will be gifted with in the age to come.
May you invest wisely and well today in that which matters most.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 8:39 AM
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