We’re continuing our walk through the book of Ephesians. We’re looking at how we should walk in the light of the Holy Spirit. Paul continues with this thought.
What he tells us is the foundation for revival. I want to see revival in the church. It’s obvious from what’s happening around us that we need it. The real question is; do we want it? And more than that, are we willing to do what it takes to lay hold of it?
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
In this passage, we’re once again told to be careful, to live wisely, and to pay attention. The days we live in are evil, hurtful.
I used to teach that inanimate things couldn’t be evil or good. After spending some time studying this verse, I realized that I was wrong. Things like days and money can be evil. It’s actually talked about throughout the New Testament. The times we’re living in are evil by influence and effect.
We’re told that we should be making the most of every opportunity. That literally means purchasing, buying time in the Greek.
God has set times where He wants to accomplish things through the church. But the times are evil. That means that it’s on us to redeem time.
We have been redeemed – from the law and the curse. Now we must redeem time from the curse. We must set aside times for God’s purposes.
We must purchase the time through prayer. That’s what he means by redeeming or purchasing the times.
We live in dangerous days. We want to see the hand of God at work. We must set the foundation through prayer and prayer in the spirit.
That’s why Paul goes on to say…
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:17-18
I’ve heard it said that we must pray the price. I never understood it until now. It’s time. Time to pray and purchase the appointed times for the move of God.
That’s what revival is going to take – time in the Lord’s presence. That’s where we find out what God’s will is. That’s where we receive His strategies for the days ahead.
That’s what Paul meant in talking about walking in the light and in the day. We are children of the light. More than anyone else, we should know and walk in God’s will.
It’s all based upon the prayers of His people. America desperately needs revival. Time set apart to Christ is the only way we’ll bring that to pass.
The unfortunate thing is that this generation seems to be extremely stingy with their time. If I said that a revival would cost a million dollars, we’d probably raise it pretty quick. But if I say it will take a week of meetings and prayer, where we clear our schedules for the move of God, few would take part in that.
It takes time to purchase revival. Those who want to discern the times and reap the harvest will redeem the time. We must pray the price, buying the time.
Question: How much time are you willing to clear up from your schedule for a move of God?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 