10 Mar, 2011
Timing is Everything
Clocks were a mystery in my house. Growing up, my dad set all of our clocks ahead - all the time (yes, that pun was intended!).
The kitchen clocks, including the microwave and oven, were set 15 minutes fast. The living room was at least ten minutes fast. If my dad woke us up, he would tell us that it was a half an hour earlier than it was. That’s not nice or funny!
Company would stop by to visit and would leave much earlier than they were planning because the clocks were fast. They didn’t know the difference.
My dad wanted to make sure we weren’t late to anything, so he set the clocks ahead hoping to ‘trick’ us into getting ready earlier. It didn’t work very well. My mom, sister and I knew that we had 15 more minutes than the clock said. I went through my child hood constantly subtracting minutes from the hands on the clock (which is why I think I hate math!).
This Saturday most of the country will be setting their clocks ahead an hour. I can guarantee that my dad will not only set the clock more than an hour ahead, he will set the clocks ahead Saturday morning so he’ll be ready. ‘Cause timing is everything, you know.
Picture courtesy of freefoto.com
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NIV)
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant women, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
We will never know when Jesus is coming back. People may predict dates, write books listing formulas of possible times, or declare specific times for His return, but the Bible clearly says that He will come “like a thief in the night.” Today’s Scripture says that we aren’t to be asleep, but alert.
This Saturday night before we go to bed, we need to remember to turn our clocks ahead one hour. Don’t be caught unaware. Be vigilant and alert to the time.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
• Remind your family and friends to move their clocks an hour ahead this weekend.
• Ask a Christian friend if they have ever forgotten to change their clock (either forward or backward). If so, what were the consequences?
• Rejoice with fellow Christ followers that we don’t need to be worried about Jesus coming back. We DON’T know when He’s coming again – we just know He IS coming again.
• Remain vigilant. Share God’s story and your story with those on your wish list (people you want to introduce to Jesus). Be alert to the promptings of the Holy Spirit for opportunities to listen to their stories.
• Encourage one another and build each other up (verse 11).
No matter when you change your clocks this weekend, remember that timing is everything.
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