REDEEMING THE TIME

Ephesians 5:13-21 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹³But all the things that are being reproved are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

¹⁴For this reason it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Be Filled with Spirit

¹⁵Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, ¹⁶buying out[35] the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And do not get drunk with wine, for that is[36] dissipation,[37] but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; ²⁰giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God, even the Father; ²¹being subject to one another in the fear of[38] Christ.

The earlier verses remind us of Isaiah 60:1-22. Awake, thou Christian soul; arise from the dust and put on thy beautiful garments! Stand on the mountain-peak of prayer and Christ shall shine on thee as when morning gilds the highest Alps! The child of God must arise from among those who are yet in their graves, dead in trespasses and sins. He can have no complicity or fellowship with such. Is there effort in this, and cost? Christ will more than compensate. He will satisfy.

The opportunities of life are fleeting past; let us buy them up. They are most valuable because they form the seed plot of eternity. In the other life, we shall reap the harvests which we have prepared for here. “Give every flying minute something to keep in store.” Chrysostom, as a young man, kept silent for days together to break himself of a bad habit of detraction. But the Apostle’s method is better. Make room for the Holy Spirit. Be filled with Him, and He will use heart and lip in the service of praise and thanksgiving. It is as much our duty to be filled with the Spirit as it is not to get drunk. Remember to give thanks always for all things. Whether you like the packing-case or not, you may be sure that the contents are the very best that God could send you.