The first article for 1996 is entitled, "Before Time Was"; now time has come and we are much involved with it. In 1 Corinthians 7:2929But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; (1 Corinthians 7:29) it says, "But this I say, brethren, the time is short." An even more remarkable statement is found in Revelation 10:5-65And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: (Revelation 10:5‑6): "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.”
It is in time that the eternal God creates and prepares a people to be with Himself. For the present time God expresses another desire and purpose in Isaiah 57:1515For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15), "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
This puts a tremendous premium upon contrition and humility. Do we now value this enough to seek to be of a contrite and humble spirit, and do we desire the presence of the Lord our God dwelling with us? Soon time for us will run out and we shall be in eternity. Will it be in this year of 1996?
In 1 Peter 4, the term "Christian" is used, and in verse 2 Peter exhorts the believer "that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the inks of men, but to the will of God." The next verse speaks of "time past." So there is time—past, present and future. Let us redeem the time (Eph. 5:1616Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16); Col. 4:55Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5)).
In Mark 13, our Lord teaches about an unknown length of time of service during the Master's absence. The disciples are commanded to watch, for they know not the hour. Here the conduct of the disciples is especially before the eyes of the Lord. Concerning that great day and the hour of its arrival, the angels, and even the Son as Prophet, know not. Jesus must sit at the right hand of God until His enemies are made His footstool, and the time of His rising up is not revealed, In the meanwhile, the servants are left to serve during the Master's absence.
What a very great privilege this is! Four times at the end of Mark 13 the word "watch" is used. Not knowing the hour but expecting His return will keep us alert. The word was spoken to His disciples, but closes with this, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."
Ed.
"Watch ye, stand last in the faith,
quit you like men,
be strong.”