The Urgency of the Hour

Years ago, I remember my father praying, “May the urgency of the hour be upon us.” If that was true in the nineties, it is certainly true in 2021.

For many, the times are unsettling, but for the people of God, it is certainly no time for despair and lethargy. Though the temptation to engage with such may be great, the present is actually a time to love the Lord with all our hearts, to pray without losing heart (Luke 18:1), and to point people to the Savior.

Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5). Jesus also said that we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). We are because He is and He lives in us. This side of Jesus coming for His own, we are the light people need to see. Since the night is coming when no one can work, now is the time to be in tune with Jesus and let Him shine through us to others in life and witness.

Paul explained, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:4). The word appear means to be manifested. When Christ our life is manifested in us, then we are manifested with Him in glory. We are lit up with His glory. This is the truth of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). Being aglow with Jesus when we speak of Jesus is what gives power to the message of the good news. People see the Jesus of the message. This occurs as we focus on and have faith in Jesus (Col. 3:1-3).

If ever there was a need for Spirit-filled witnesses, it is now. May the urgency of the hour be upon us!