TIME
Today my father is 95 years old. A couple of years ago we went to eat breakfast at one of his favorite restaurants.
Dad always has stories to tell so when we eat it takes a little longer for him than for me.
That day I took my time eating and finished while Dad had hardly touched his meal. The waitress gave really good service, even took my plate after I finished. She came by again and again. Then she asked Dad, “Can I get you anything else?” He replied, “I would like a little more time.” And she graciously gave us all the time we needed.
Sometimes the greatest gift is just a little more time.
THE GIFT OF TIME
The Bible begins with, “In the beginning. . . “
The first thing that God gifted to us was time, i.e. measured duration. In time he placed other gifts known as space and matter plus all things that pertain to life and godliness.
THE HOUR GLASS
The other day I saw this really cool hour glass. What makes it so unique is that the sands of time running through it are gold (not actual gold).
Whoever did that was saying time is precious. And it is!
ONE TENTH
As we look at time in the book of Genesis we see that our ancestors lived a lot longer than we do today.
Before the flood people lived to 900 years and more. After the flood the lifespan decreased dramatically and was reduced to 10 percent of what God originally allowed. That makes time more valuable than it was before the flood.
King David of Old Testament fame said, We may live to the age of seventy, and if we’re strong to the age of 80. At best the years are filled with trouble and sorrow. They quickly pass and then we fly away. (Psalms 90:10)
He was telling us that time is precious. It is not to be wasted but rather utilized.
Within the next couple of verses David said,
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalms 90:12)
David also wanted to know the measure of his days and just how fleeting his life was. (Psalms 39:4)
James, the half brother of Jesus said life is but a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)
Paul told the people in the church at Ephesus to be wise and to make the best use of their time. (Ephesians 5:14-15)
THREE TIMES
In Ps 95:7 it is written Today if you will hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart as in the time when the children of Israel left Egyptian bondage and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
The writer of the book of Hebrews referenced this verse three times — Hebrews 3:7, 15 & 4:7.
He was saying you really need to listen to God today. Don’t procrastinate.
NO BRAGGING
In Proverbs 27:1 Solomon told us not to boast about tomorrow because we don’t know what today will bring.
We cannot change the past, and the future is uncertain. All we have is today. It matters. Make it count.
MORE VALUABLE THAN TIME
No doubt time is very valuable, but eternity is more precious than time.
Time is measured duration.
Eternity is unmeasured duration.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11 Solomon told us that God has placed eternity in the heart of all mankind.
Both time and eternity are very valuable.
I hope you have a good day. Make the best use of your time.
Happy birthday, Dad!!! Love you!!