Redeeming

 

Ebola, Isis, 4 year old brings bag of heroin to preschool, 36 Methodist Pastors bless Gay weddings … Just a small sampling of the news from today. I can hardly get through a segment of the news without weeping and feeling overwhelmed by grief from all the pain and devastation in the world. Fear, helplessness and uncertainty seems to hang like a cloud over the lives of so many. Darkness looms ahead as hope hangs by a thread. You would have to live like an Ostrich to deny that we are living in perilous times.  In Ephesians 5:15-16 Paul has an instructive word to say to us who believe about how to conduct ourselves in times like these:

 

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

 

The word for “making the most” is the Greek word exagorazō. It can be translated “redeem” or even more literally in this context it means to “buy up”.  Have you ever been to the grocery store and found an exceptional deal on a product you frequently use or enjoy? Then bought up all they had not wanting to miss this incredible opportunity? Of course you have! So have I because that is what we women do. We find a great bargain and make the most of it. Paul is putting an interesting slant on what most of us would consider less than ideal circumstances.  He is saying these “evil days” are in actuality a tremendous opportunity. An opportunity for what? To light up the darkness!

 
Our Christ bearing presence has the potential to be a striking and glaring beacon of hope amidst the dark backdrop of these present days.

 
So fellow bargain hunters and opportunity seizers let it not be said that we passed up our chance to “buy up” this time with Holy Spirit fueled investments!

 
Father, you have appointed for us to live in these times. Fill us, use us and magnify the name of Christ through us! In the name of Jesus, the true HOPE of humanity!

 

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

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