Making the Most of God's Appointed Time in Scripture
Making the Most of God's Appointed Time in Scripture
The concept of making the most of God's appointed time is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of being mindful of the present moment and using it wisely. The book of Ecclesiastes provides a foundational passage on this topic, stating that there is "a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted" [1]. This poetic passage highlights the idea that life is composed of various seasons, each with its own appointed time.
The biblical writers encourage believers to be aware of these seasons and to act accordingly. For instance, Ecclesiastes 3:6 advises that there is "a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away" [3]. This verse suggests that discernment is necessary to determine the appropriate action for a given time.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to "make the most of every opportunity" [5]. The Tyndale House commentary on Colossians 4:5 explains that this phrase literally means "buying up the time," likening it to purchasing a valuable commodity. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Ephesians 5:16 interprets "redeeming the time" as "buying up for yourselves the seasonable time" [6].
The biblical emphasis on making the most of God's appointed time is closely tied to the concept of being prepared for the uncertainties of life. Psalm 90:17 expresses a desire for God to "establish the work of our hands" [2], underscoring the importance of seeking divine guidance and blessing in one's endeavors.
Various Christian traditions have interpreted these biblical teachings in their own ways. For example, John Gill's commentary on Isaiah 58:13 highlights the importance of observing the Sabbath and attending to religious institutions and services [7]. Matthew Henry's commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:18 encourages believers to use their resources wisely and to serve God with what they have [8].
The idea of making the most of God's appointed time is also linked to the concept of hope and patience. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that hope is "the work of the Holy Spirit" and is "obtained through Grace" [4]. This hope enables believers to wait patiently for God's timing, even in the face of uncertainty.
Sources
- Ecclesiastes “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; -- Ecclesiastes 3:2”
- Psalms “Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands. -- Psalms 90:17”
- Ecclesiastes “a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; -- Ecclesiastes 3:6”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 4:5: 4:5 make the most of every opportunity (literally buy up the time): Like people who are buying up a product offered at a good price, Christians are to “buy up” every opportunity God gives them to share the Good News and to serve others.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5:16: Redeeming the time-- (Col 4:5). Greek, "Buying up for yourselves the seasonable time" (whenever it occurs) of good to yourselves and to others. Buying off from the vanities of "them that are without" (Col 4:5), and of the "unwise" (here in Ephesians), the opportune time afforded to you for the work of God. In a narrower sense, special favorable seasons for good, occasionally presenting themselves, are referred to, of which believers ought diligently to avail themselves. This constitutes true "wisdom" (Eph 5:15). In a larger sense, the whole season f”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 58:13: If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath,.... From walking and working on that day; or withdrawest thy mind and affections from all worldly things; the affections being that to the mind as the feet are to the body, which carry it here and there. The time of worship, under the Gospel dispensation, is here expressed in Old Testament language, as the service of it usually is in prophetic writings; though its proper name is the Lord's day, Rev 1:10, and is here instanced in, and put for all religious institutions and services to be attended unto, and which will be wit”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 5:18: Solomon, from the vanity of riches hoarded up, here infers that the best course we can take is to use well what we have, to serve God with it, to do good with it, and take the comfort of it to ourselves and our families; this he had pressed before, Ecc 2:24; Ecc 3:22. Observe, 1. What it is that is here recommended to us, not to indulge the appetites of the flesh, or to take up with present pleasures or profits for our portion, but soberly and moderately to make use of what Providence has allotted for our comfortable passage through this world. We must not s”