TIME
Time may be considered an enemy or a friend depending on one’s perspective. On one hand it is precise and reliable. On the other hand, it is finite and fleeting. We observe cycles in nature that are more precise than what the best of our timekeeping mechanisms can replicate. The “Scientific American” website has an interesting article on the history of timekeeping. Residents nearer the equator found lunar cycles more helpful while those farther from the equator were influenced more by the changing seasons. Early calendars were based on the solar day, lunar month, and solar year. Temporal hours were measured by sundials and water clocks until mechanized devices provided the ability to divide days in hours of equal length. (“A Chronicle of Timekeeping” By William J. H. Andrewes on February 1, 2006, www.scientificamerican.com)
The young take time for granted thinking that so much of it lies before them. The elderly person reminisces and wonders how it has gone by so quickly. The bereaved know without doubt how little time we have and how uncertain it is. The passing of days, months, seasons, and years are ultimately a testimony to God who created them and a reminder to creation. (Genesis 1:1-5) Time measures the “distance” between our birth and our eternal destiny. David prayed, “LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am.” (Psalms 39:4 NKJV) David acknowledged his limited lifespan compared to his eternal God. “Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.” (Psalms 39:5 NKJV)
The greatest mistake we can make in life is ignoring our Creator. Solomon admonished his fellowman to remember the Creator in their youth, long before the soul inevitably returns to God. (Ecclesiastes 12) Paul warned the Athenians that God has set a time for judgment. “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31 NKJV) Felix was greatly affected by the gospel message but believed he could postpone his response. “Now as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25 NKJV)
Isaiah prophesied about the restoration of Israel through the Messiah, begging Israel to return to God. (Isaiah 49) Paul cites the prophet in his appeal to the Corinthians. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2 NKJV)
Today is your day!