One day I woke up and everything had changed.

I used to be this tough guy. I thought I could handle anything and everything.

But on this particular morning I woke up and I saw everything differently—I felt weak and helpless, useless and worthless. These were new and raw emotions that cut to the core of my identity and my self-value.

So in my time of doubt and confusion I turned to the only place I knew where I would find perspective and truth…The Bible.  What I was lead to in scripture was a verse that reminded me of God’s call on my life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NASB

Or from the King James Version…

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

Why does the KJV use the word redeem?

The word redeem is from the Greek word exagorazo—which in turn comes from two Greek words, ek (meaning from or from out of) and agorazo (meaning to purchase).

Exagorazo appears three other times in the Bible…

• Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5
• Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE.” Galatians 3:13
• So that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:5

Exagorazo is a marketplace term. When you redeem someone from slavery, as Christ redeemed us, you are purchasing them—purchasing them out of their slavery. You are paying the price to take them out of a horrible situation.

What is it that is being redeemed?

You are purchased out of slavery—out of the nightmares of your life. Jesus paid the price so that you are set free to “make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

I have been purchased out of slavery, out of the nightmares of my life, so that I can live each day not in weakness or regret, but with God’s bold purposes and designs.

There is a saying you may have heard, “don’t cry over spilled milk.”

That morning my life looked and felt like spilled milk—a huge mess—and it was eating away at me.

But, through God’s redeeming love and daily presence, and in the days that have followed, I have learned…

• To remind myself that I have been purchased out of slavery by Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for me,
• To ask God to make me wise, making the most of my time,
• To invest my life in what matters: God, People, God’s Kingdom, God’s agenda.