Make Every Moment Count
(More Bible Studies Available @ www.marktabata.com)
Genesis 6:-3-And the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”
Time is a valuable thing.
Years ago, while watching a movie (Star Trek: Generations), I was struck by how two different characters viewed time. One said that time was like a predator that is always stalking us, ready to devour us. Another said that time is like a companion, one who goes with us along our journey of life, and who encourages us to cherish each moment. In many ways, this latter viewpoint has much to commend for it from a Bible point of view.
Psalm 90:12 (CEV)-Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Ephesians 5:16 (CEV)-These are evil times, so make every minute count.
Many spend all their time and focus on things that have no real or lasting value: money, jobs, careers, houses, etc. If we are wise, we will use our time first and foremost on things which God’s Word prioritizes. One example is right here in Genesis 6:3, where God grants people 120 years longer to repent and come back to Him. Years ago, an uninspired Jewish history book known as Jasher (which the Bible references-see Joshua 10:12-13 for example) tells us about this 120 year gift of God. In it, God describes the “evil” (or “calamity”) of the Flood:
Jasher 5:5-11-“5 And all who followed the Lord died in those days, before they saw the evil which God declared to do upon earth. 1536 AM–God warns of a coming flood 6 And after the lapse of many years, in the four hundred and eightieth year of the life of Noah, when all those men, who followed the Lord had died away from amongst the sons of men, and only Methuselah was then left, God said unto Noah and Methuselah, saying, 7 Speak ye, and proclaim to the sons of men, saying, Thus saith the Lord, return from your evil ways and forsake your works, and the Lord will repent of the evil that he declared to do to you, so that it shall not come to pass. 8 For thus saith the Lord, Behold I give you a period of one hundred and twenty years; if you will turn to me and forsake your evil ways, then will I also turn away from the evil which I told you, and it shall not exist, saith the Lord. 9 And Noah and Methuselah spoke all the words of the Lord to the sons of men, day after day, constantly speaking to them. 10 But the sons of men would not hearken to them, nor incline their ears to their words, and they were stiffnecked. 11 And the Lord granted them a period of one hundred and twenty years, saying, If they will return, then will God repent of the evil, so as not to destroy the earth.” (Ken Johnson, Ancient Book Of Jasher, 22 (Kindle Edition): CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
Sadly, the people of that time refused to accept God’s gracious forgiveness and mercy. What will we do? My friends, if you haven’t been saved from your sin, then I encourage you to do so today.
Acts 2:38-41-Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
How will we use God’s golden moments?
Lord, help me to use wisely the moments that You give. Help me to walk in the footsteps of Your Son. Grant me a wise and understanding heart. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.