As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
John 9:4
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of our daily tasks and responsibilities. But Jesus reminds us of a deeper, more profound urgency – the urgency of doing God’s work while we still have the opportunity.
When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing His disciples about the limited time He had to complete His earthly ministry. But this message of urgency applies just as much to us today. We are called to be active participants in God’s redemptive work in the world, and we don’t know how much time we have to fulfill that calling.
The metaphor of day and night that Jesus uses is powerful. The “day” represents the time of opportunity, the season when we can actively engage in God’s work. The “night” symbolizes the end of that opportunity, whether through the end of our lives, the return of Christ, or simply changed circumstances that close doors we once had open.
This sense of urgency isn’t meant to induce panic or anxiety. Rather, it’s a call to purposeful living, to making the most of every opportunity God gives us to share His love and truth with others. It’s about recognizing the value of each moment and using it wisely for eternal purposes.
In our contemporary context, this urgency takes on new meaning. We live in a world of instant communication and global connectivity, where the gospel can reach corners of the earth faster than ever before. Yet we also face increasing challenges to faith, with many turning away from God or never hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. The fields are ripe for harvest, but the workers are few, as Jesus Himself observed (Matthew 9:37).
Carl F. H. Henry, a renowned evangelical theologian, once said, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.” This profound statement underscores the critical nature of our mission. The message of salvation through Christ is the most important news anyone can hear, but it only becomes good news for individuals when they receive it before it’s too late. This should ignite in us a passion to share the gospel with urgency and intentionality, recognizing that eternal destinies hang in the balance.
So what does it mean for us to work “while it is day”? It means being intentional about our witness, both in word and deed. It means looking for opportunities to share our faith, to serve others in Jesus’ name, to stand for truth and justice in our communities. It might involve volunteering at a local outreach, mentoring a young believer, or simply being ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
This urgency also applies to our personal spiritual growth. We shouldn’t put off deepening our relationship with God, thinking we’ll have time for that later. Now is the time to dive into God’s Word, to cultivate a rich prayer life, to fellowship with other believers. These spiritual disciplines equip us for the work God has called us to do.
Remember, urgency in God’s kingdom doesn’t mean frantic activity or burning ourselves out. Jesus, even with His limited time on earth, took time for rest, prayer, and fellowship. The urgency He speaks of is about living with purpose and intention, making the most of the time and opportunities God gives us.
We must also recognize that while we work, it is God who ultimately brings the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). Our role is to be faithful in planting and watering seeds of faith, trusting God for the results. This takes some of the pressure off us – we don’t have to see immediate results to know that our work is valuable in God’s eyes.
Godseekers, I challenge you today to consider: How are you using the “daylight” God has given you? Are there opportunities you’ve been putting off, thinking you’ll get to them someday? Remember, we don’t know how long our “day” will last. Let’s commit to living with a sense of holy urgency, making the most of every opportunity to shine Christ’s light in this world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today and the opportunities it brings. Help us to see our time through Your eyes, recognizing the urgency of the work You’ve called us to do. Give us wisdom to use our days wisely, courage to step out in faith, and love to motivate all our actions. May we work diligently while it is still day, trusting You for the results. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What “works of God” do you feel called to do in this season of your life? What steps can you take to pursue these more intentionally?
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been procrastinating in your spiritual growth or service? What’s holding you back, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
Step of Faith
This week, identify one opportunity you’ve been putting off – whether it’s sharing your faith with someone, serving in a ministry, or taking a step in your spiritual growth. Make a concrete plan to act on this opportunity within the next seven days. Ask a trusted friend or family member to hold you accountable.
