High Time
Today’s Verse:
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. ~Romans 13:11
Have you ever had anyone abruptly wake you up out of sleep? If so, they probably said to you, “Hey! Wake up!” When something like this happens, it is a sudden jolt that stirs you into action. Your adrenaline starts flowing and you move at a faster pace than normal. You go into safety or survival-mode thinking, and do what is necessary at that given moment. Paul told the believers at Rome that “now it is high time to awake out of sleep.”
It is high time to awake because sin is ADVANCING.
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” The use of the terms “works of darkness” and “night” are illustrative of sin. Sin abounds where there is darkness. In order to overcome darkness, there must be much light. Men love darkness rather than light. Dishonesty, disorderly conduct, and defiled living are found in all circles of life. Even among Christians, there is a casual and unconcerned attitude towards all forms of sin. We need to awaken and be stirred that sin is advancing.
It is high time to awake because the saints should be ABOUNDING.
As God’s people, we are called upon to put on the armor of light. We are called upon to walk honestly, as it is the day. We are not to entangle ourselves in rioting, drunken intoxication, foolish behavior, covetousness, strife, and envying. God did not save us to continue in our former sins; He saved us to show forth His marvelous light in this sin-darkened world. We are to put on the Lord Jesus and make no provision for the flesh. We are to give ourselves wisely towards good works, prayer, and advancing the gospel. We should not be marginal and lackluster in our efforts for the Lord. We should do everything in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God by Him. We should be shining our light brightly so that others without the Lord can be saved before it is too late.
It is high time to awake because the Savior is ARRIVING.
Notice that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed, and that the day is at hand. Jesus is coming soon for His church! “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:13. The coming of our Lord Jesus is imminent. Maybe today my Lord will come for me! His coming will come like a thief in the night. His coming will be as swift as the twinkle of an eye. When Jesus comes for us, we will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Many will be caught unawares when Jesus comes. There will be a separation from unsaved loved ones.
Yes, it is high time for us! It is now that we must awaken out of sleep and get busy for the Lord! It is now we must do all that we can to advance the cause of Christ. It is now that we should confess and forsake sins. It is now that we should speak a word for the Lord to those who need to get saved. It is now that we should make our lives, priorities, and desires in alignment with the Lord. Don’t be found sleeping; awaken now, and give heed to your ways.
Have a timely God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 15-17