By God’s Side: November 18, 2020

Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles

November 18, 2020

Whoever came up with the phrase “time flies” never threw a Bulova wrist watch out of the car window. Just try it; you’ll see. Time does not fly. It obeys the law of gravity and drops down as listless and lifeless and vulnerable as can be.

Yes, I know the phrase means that, before you know it, what is here and now is long gone. But then again, maybe there is another way to think of time.

You will remember that, in the Bible, we come across two different kinds of time: chronos and kairos. Chronos has to do with the kind of time we measure with watches and calendars — sequential time. In contrast, kairos has to do with the right moment for the right action. Here is what the Apostle Paul says about it:

“As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, ‘In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.’ ”  (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

So God’s time provides us with an invitation, and an opportunity. God’s time is now, and extends beyond chronos time.

Back in the day, there used to be a big advertising sign in New York City’s Times Square (interesting name, that). The sign flashed out the message, “America Runs on Bulova Time.” I believe that you and I have a different message to know and to share: “Christians Run on God’s Time.” God’s kairos — God’s expansive moment of grace. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church

About Dr. Dalles

Read more about Dr. Dalles.

Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.

About By God’s Side

Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.

Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.