Connect John 9:4 with Ephesians 5:16 about making the most of time. Setting the Scene - John 9 opens with Jesus healing a man born blind. Right in the middle of that moment, He announces: “While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4) - Paul later exhorts believers: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) Both passages press the same point: our window to serve God here on earth is limited. Let’s draw out what that means for daily life. Day and Night: Jesus’ Picture of Limited Opportunity - Daytime represents the present season of ministry—life on earth before death or the Lord’s return. - Night speaks of a point when work on earth is no longer possible. - Jesus includes His disciples with the pronoun “we,” underscoring that every follower shares His commission. Redeeming the Time: Paul’s Echo - “Make the most of every opportunity” translates a single Greek phrase meaning “redeem” or “buy back” the time, treating every moment as valuable currency. - Paul adds the sober reason: “because the days are evil.” In a world resistant to Christ, wasted time has real spiritual costs. Why the Urgency Matters - Life’s brevity: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) - God-given stewardship: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) - Eternal reward: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) Practical Ways to Work While It’s Day • Guard the margins – Schedule time intentionally for prayer, Scripture, and fellowship before lesser tasks flood the day. • Serve with the gifts God supplies – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) • Speak words of life – Share the gospel and encourage believers while conversations are still possible. • Invest in people, not only projects – Relationships carry into eternity; possessions do not. • Start now, not later – Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience; “now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Walking Wisely in Evil Days - Paul surrounds Ephesians 5:16 with counsel to live “not as unwise but as wise” (v. 15) and to be “filled with the Spirit” (v. 18). - Wisdom discerns what truly advances Christ’s kingdom; the Spirit supplies power to do it. A Final Encouragement Jesus laboring in daylight and Paul redeeming the time call us to the same posture: hands to the plow, eyes on eternity, hearts convinced that every moment can echo into forever. As long as daylight lasts, there is work worth doing. |
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