Time Awareness

Jesus continually presses his disciples to be aware of time.
 

• “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work”(John 9:4).

 

• “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days”(Luke 5:35).

 

• “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times”(Matt 16:3).

 

• “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”(Matt 6:34).

 
Jesus wants us to be aware of the time in which we live.  This means that we know where we are in “salvation history”—between the first coming of Jesus and the second.  This means that we know that we are awaiting the bridegroom, which means a certain degree of sorrow and groaning (and fasting).  This means that we know the world in which we live—the spirit of our age and its unique blend of good and evil.
 
Jesus wants us to take each day seriously.  Each day has its own trouble and demands its own attention.  While we are aware of where we are in the broader scope of time, our lives are comprised of days.  We must be busy in serving the Lord, loving and blessing others, and growing into the image of Christ--today.  There will come a time when no one can work.
 
Do you know your time?  What will you do with today?