The Years the Locusts Have Eaten
God has the power to restore the years we have foolishly squandered, and we can make the most of our time by using it for His purposes.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound truth that God can restore the years lost to regret and waste, as expressed in Joel 2:25. He encourages believers to release their lament over squandered time, reminding them that it is God who redeems and repurposes our past for His glory. Nee highlights that in God's economy, the value of time is not measured by earthly standards, and even a single hour dedicated to Him can yield eternal significance. Therefore, we should find comfort and courage in God's ability to transform our wasted years into fruitful service.
Text
"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten." Joel 2:25
Do our hearts ache over the years we have foolishly squandered? Then let us thank God for the comfort of knowing his power to restore them. "Alas," we lament, "our best years have been devoured by the locusts. They are lost now, never to be regained. What shall we do?" The answer is, "Nothing!" It is God who will restore those years. As to the time wasted, a lost decade of ours may have been worth no more than one day in God's eyes; but if hereafter we redeem the time by using it for God, then one day may become equal in value to 1,000 years.
For the day on earth is not clocked in heaven on the basis of twenty-four hours. Instead, God has his own moral scale of computation. If our service is according to his will, let us take courage. Who can tell what a single hour may count for in his sight?
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Lost Years
- The Power of God's Restoration
- The Importance of Redemptive Service
- Using time for God's purposes
- The moral scale of computation in heaven
Key Quotes
“Nothing! It is God who will restore those years.” — Watchman Nee
“A lost decade of ours may have been worth no more than one day in God's eyes;” — Watchman Nee
“Who can tell what a single hour may count for in his sight?” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- You can trust God to restore the years you have wasted, so don't worry about what's been lost.
- Use your time to serve God and make the most of it, even if it's just one day.
- God values service according to His will, so strive to live a life that pleases Him.