2 Corinthians 6:1,2 “As God’s fellow-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you’. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.”
On 19th February 1944, one of the most costly battles in the Second World War was fought at Iwo Jima. 600 miles South of Tokyo, its two strategic airstrips were needed by the Allies as launch pads for attacks on Japan. 22,000 Japanese soldiers knew they were there to defend to the death. About 26,000 US troops died to take it. There were numerous examples of heroism amidst the bloody carnage. Thousands upon thousands of men sacrificed themselves for the greater cause. If you were to visit there today there is a message etched outside the cemetery which reads:
‘When you go home
Tell them for us and say
For your tomorrow
We gave our today’
Paul urges us not to receive God’s grace in vain. He says now is the time, today is the day. Now, or maybe never, if we leave it too late. The choice is ours. So will you, will I, give our today for others’ tomorrows?
Living in a warzone in Burundi for many years (thankfully, at the time of writing it’s peaceful) made me very aware of the value and urgency of each day. We used to listen to shells landing and know that a few yards away some people had just had their last today. It became so clear that each day was a gift. Today could be enjoyed, shared, and maximised, or it could be misused, misspent and wasted.
Think about Paul’s words: “Now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.” In the light of God’s favour today, how will you live your life?
Lord, I choose to give my today for you and for all those I come into contact with. Amen!
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