My first 45 record featured the band Chicago asking, “Does anybody really know what time it is?” Good question. Do you remember the old days, when preachers would take off their watches and put them on the pulpit, as they began to preach? After one pastor dramatically took off his watch, a visitor asked a member, “What does that mean?” “Absolutely nothing,” came the reply.
Agrippa granted Paul permission to speak for himself. First, Paul complimented Agrippa as one well acquainted with Jeish customs and controversies. Then, Paul symbolically removed his watch by asking Agrippa for patience as he told his story.
Are we more or less time-conscious than in the past? Our phones, watches, and computers constantly remind us of the time. Many of our worship-planning meetings revolve around our stewardship of time. We can be so concerned about time that we miss important moments.
In our impatient world, Christians may distinguish ourselves by patiently listening to others who tell us their stories. We parents may practice this at home, as well. Someone said that children spell love “t-i-m-e.” In answer to our first question: God. God knows what time it is. He has all the time in the world. Talk to God. He listens patiently.
