Focus: Evening and Morning of Life

Text: Ecl.11:6

"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

Life is so short that no moment should be wasted. Every second counts. Morning and evening make up the whole day. God requires that we labor day and night to advance His work on earth. The evening time of this life is not to be wasted. No moment of rest until our work is done and we are received into glory. 

Paul declares, "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring NIGHT and DAY, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God" (1Thes.2:9). Paul labored night and day. He says, "NIGHT and DAY praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" (1Thes.3:10). Paul prayed night and day. He says, "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers NIGHT and DAY" (2Tim.1:3). He tells Timothy, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…" (2Tim.4:2). 

The word must be preached when it is convenient and when it is not. Every moment counts.

In the book of Revelation we read, "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not DAY and NIGHT, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" (Rev.4:8). Worship goes up in heaven day and night. Again, we read, "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him DAY and NIGHT in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them" (Rev.7:15). Service to God continues in the presence of the Lord nonstop - day and night.

Isaiah declares, "Watchman, what of the night?" He goes on to say, "The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come" (Isa.21:11,12). We can't afford to discard any moment to do something worthwhile. Morning and evening are all good times to be useful in God's hands. We can win souls for Christ at any time, be it morning or evening. The morning of youth and the evening of old age are all periods of doing mighty things for our God. There is no idle moment in the kingdom of God.

Paul says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal.6:9). There is no telling which moment of labor will pay more - morning or evening. We cannot afford to be tired of doing good or letting God use us for the good of others and for God's glory. 

Put your hand to the plow and never look back. Retire not from the Lord's work for as long as you live, and be not tired. The next work you will do will likely pay more than the previous one. Your morning and evening must count in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter