The Time and Day is NOW
Of all the great things about serving God, perhaps one of the greatest is that the Bible spends a great deal of time talking about God's foresight and wise plans for the future. As one continues through the scriptures, he is able to read the fruition of those plans and is shown time and again that what God has promised always comes true. Some seven centuries before Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote, "In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of salvation I have helped You." The Messianic writer continues by saying, "I will preserve You" (Isaiah 49:8).
The idea of God "hearing" us and "helping us" is profound and powerful. To know that THE Creator of the universe was willing to listen to our concerns and assist us in time of need is humbling. Yet, Isaiah points out that the total fulfillment of these great promises lied in the future and was not for the present. Some two decades after Jesus lived on the earth as a man, the apostle Paul quoted Isaiah's words about God's open ears and willing hands. Paul, however, goes further by saying, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2). You and I are privileged to live in that time and day referenced years ago. The time is here and now.
Paul says that the "accepted" time in now. This "approved" time is such that each of us can be seen by God, known by God, and brought into a relationship with Him. Now is the time when you and I have the benefit of the God who hears us. Our ability to freely pray must never be taken for granted and knowing that now is the time that His ears are open to our cries should be a great comfort to each of us.
The apostle also points out that now is the "day of salvation." If God were to suggest that a time for salvation is in the future but that we couldn't benefit from it, our collective disappointment would be immense. Instead, God, through His abundant mercy, looks at each of us and grants us deliverance today. We don't have to wait for, hope for, or dream about salvation. We are fortunate men and women who live each day knowing that God's Son died for us so that we could live with Him forever.
Let's be thankful that the time and day is now. For those who have yet to prepare themselves to face the Judge, now is the time to prepare. Thanks be to Him for allowing each of us to have today as an opportunity for reflection on His word and to make the necessary changes to be ready right now!