Scripture
13But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
15So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:13-15
Observation
There are two greek words often used in the New Testament for "time". "Chronos" is a linear, measurable time like what we see on the clock. "Kairos" is a situational time, an opportunity, a window of time. Paul is warning the church in Ephesus to not be lulled to spiritual sleep by the abundance of sin around them that seemed so common and acceptable. When he says “don’t act thoughtlessly” Paul was is calling them to a point of consecration. Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service. The word consecration literally means "association with the sacred". Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Paul says, wake up because there’s a timing to this that you’re going to sleep right through if you’re not careful. Kairos is crucial to the plans of God and requires implicit trust in His provision. Don’t be distracted by the good and miss God. Don’t wait on those crucial conversations. We say, “They’re so busy right now. “ No one is too busy to think about eternity. Jesus is coming soon, “The time has come. . . . The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mk 1:15). The picture here is of a wise business man buying up opportunities while everyone else is sitting on their hands.
Application
Speaking of a wise business man, Josh Godknecht who is the CEO of his own company also serves as a Council member at The Father’s House and walks in the prophetic, contacted me. This morning just after reading these scriptures he texted me a prophetic word that lined right up with what I had just read. This is God’s way of making sure I don’t miss the point this morning. It’s a wake up call to followers of Christ. I want to make sure you don’t miss it either. Here’s the word:
Yesterday the Lord spoke to me a word that I am supposed to deliver. He told me “tell them that half time is ending and the second half is about to begin.” He is referring to the move of His Spirit to whither what is not consecrated and to supernaturally demonstrate His power through what is. This is a word of grace and comfort. It’s grace to advise and warn us to consecrate and be about building His kingdom, His way and not our own kingdoms our own ways. It’s comfort to those who are truly in Christ because our champion’s name is about to be lifted up. And we know that if we die in Christ we are also raised with him! Please pray into this and lead your circles however the spirit guides you to.” He then included one of may favorite scenes from Lord of The Rings (now God really knows how to get my attention). In the story, the leader of the talking trees, Treebeard realisez the Ents must to go to war and attack Isengard, after he has seen the damage that Saruman has done to Fangorn Forest. So they break the damn, release the flood waters and all of the evil is washed away. The trees drive their roots in deep into the ground and remain unmoved by the waters powerful surge. We need to take this preperatory season to deepen our roots so the wave does not uproot us.
Prayer
I’m awake Lord. Yesterday I sat in a living room of 8th graders who had lost their friend to suicide the day before their graduation at San Elijo Middle. We were all heartbroken together and all I could do was try to provide a safe place to process. I felt Your presence and resisted giving them any spiritual platitudes. I did introduce them to You, The Good Shepherd who walks us through the Valley of The Shadow of Death. Time was of the essence. There was no time to waste. I needed to drop what I was doing and go to them when I heard the news. This is how You are calling us to live all the time, not just in times of emergency. There is an urgency in my Savior's voice. It's now or never and we are being sent out by the Savior. I freshly consecrate myself to Your leading Lord. I dig my roots into Your Word! I will not delay. It’s time to obey. I pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit on this next generation.
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