Joel 2:25 (SKJV)
"I will restore to you the years that the locust has
eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm. My great army that
I sent among you."
Today, I am moved to speak with you about the significance
of time and the precious opportunity God has blessed us all with to redeem it. Time,
brethren, is a gift that the Almighty Creator has given upon us, equitably and
impartially. Every tick of the clock is a blessing, an opportunity, and a
responsibility to make our lives resonate with the rhythm of God's purpose for
us. It is important for us to realise, however, that this gift of time is
transient, an ever-moving river that, once passed, never returns.
Yet, in His infinite wisdom, our loving God has given us the
means to "redeem the time". To redeem time is not to turn back the
hands of the clock, but to imbue each moment with the essence of purpose,
significance, and intentionality driven by our love and commitment to God. Every
day, we are confronted with countless choices on how to spend our time. We can
choose to use our moments meaningfully, engaging in deeds that reflect the love
of God, or we can allow them to dissipate into the ether, bearing no fruits.
To sow seeds of God's love, to extend a helping hand to a
neighbour or a stranger, to offer a few moments of comfort to someone in
distress, to spend time in quiet prayer and meditation; these are all ways in
which we can weave our moments into a beautiful tapestry of fulfilled purpose
and unfading glory in our Father's sight.
Using our time to nurture our spiritual growth is also of
immense importance. The word of God tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow
in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the
glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." Dedicating time to
studying God's word, praying, and fostering our relationship with Him, offers
us the nourishment we need to grow and flourish as His children.
Our God is a God of order, not of confusion. He has, in His
divine blueprint of creation, given each of us twenty-four hours in a day. No
more, no less. As His stewards, are we using these hours wisely, purposefully,
and with an awareness of His divine Presence?
Take heart, brethren, and know that our Heavenly Father
understands our struggles, our distractions, and our limitations. He does not
expect us to be perfect time-managers, but faithful servants who understand the
value of time and strive to use it to His glory.
Hence, let us strive each day to redeem the time we have
been blessed with. Let us strive to live more purposefully, lovingly, and
reflectively, in ways that mirror God's love and magnify His glory. Each second
is a precious pearl, each minute a priceless gem, and each hour a golden
treasure we are entrusted with. Let us use them wisely and make our lives a
stunning mosaic of God's love, grace, and glory.
In conclusion, beloved, I exhort you with the same words
Paul used to encourage the church at Ephesus: "Therefore, be very
careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every
opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). May God's
grace be with us all as we strive to redeem the time He has given us. Amen.