WHAT TIME IS IS?

WHAT time is it? A simple question? Well! That all depends upon the perspective with which you view the inquiry. Your first response, no doubt, would be to glance at your watch. But, there is a richer, deeper meaning which this question suggests. Time is one of the most powerful governing factors of life. However, it is often squandered, forgotten, or misused. Is it any wonder that God in His infinite wisdom would move upon the ecclesiastical writer to coin these most profound words. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecc. 3:1). Time affects everyone! The contractor must see that each phase of his building-work is completed on time. This is especially true as the wintry season nears with its cold, chilling air, rain, and snow. He must be sure that he has completed all outside work and that he can now take shelter inside and be protected if severe weather should come. The need to be time-conscious is an ever-increasing reality. How can any operation effectively progress toward completion if those who are working on the project are not aware of the time factor involved? Yet, knowing all this, can you answer the question, "What time is it?" Or, possibly rephrased, "What time is it in my life?" James, in his epistle, spoke of life as but "a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). In the light of his statement, it could be time for the conclusion of your life. Should this be true, where will you spend eternity? The Apostle Paul, referring to the coming of Christ, said "Brethren, the time is short" (1 Cor. 7:29). Just how short it is, none of us can really know. But the headlines of today’s newspapers, coupled with prophetical fulfilment, allow us to recognize the meaning of Paul’s words in 2 Cor. 6:2: "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.'" The apostle John adds, "the time (of His coming) is at hand" (Rev. 22:10).