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            As human beings we live in the realm of time, and it has been that way since the creation of the world. The Genesis account of the beginning leaves these words after each creation day, “So the evening and the morning were…” (Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31). Centuries ago and still in many cultures today time is important as there are celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special personal and cultural occasions, but often the time that it takes to do something is not as important. For example, in the American culture, generally we are a punctual people, not only concerning when an activity is begun, but also when it should be concluded.  That would be applicable to a work schedule, a school or university class schedule, and for many the time spent in worshiping God.

            The Old Testament book of Second Chronicles records one of the more famous questions that God asked of a person, and the response. “On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ash! What shall I give you?’” (2 Chronicles 1:7). Most everyone remembers Solomon’s famous response, “Now give me wisdom and knowledge…” (2 Chronicles 1:10). The question and the response are often remembered and taught to children, young people, and adults, and rightly so. However, what was Solomon doing just before God asked him that question? The Scripture says, “And Solomon went up to the bonze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacled of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it” (2 Chronicles 1:6). How long would it have taken Solomon to offer 1,000 burnt offerings? How long would it take you to do that? Considering the time that it would have taken for Solomon to do that, or one of us, let us place that time as a background to being a Christian.  Was Solomon driven by the clock or what he motivated by his faith in and love for God?   

            As Christians our live is to be a living sacrifice unto God all of the time. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). That inspired passage says that our time is in reality God’s time. Whatever time that it might have taken for Solomon to take each burnt offering to the altar and offer it, that time is nothing in comparison to the constant living that we are to do for God as his child. However, so often it is the clock that drives us and not faith. The inspired Scripture also says, “And do this knowing the time, that now it is high time to wake out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed…let us walk properly as in the day” (Romans 13:11,13).

            That high time to wake out of sleep as Paul wrote means that time is to be given to prayer. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is high time to give study and meditation to the Word of God. “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). “Oh, how love I your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through your commandments make me wiser…” (Psalm 119:97-98). “I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great treasure” (Psalm 119:182), As Paul wrote it is high time to give adequate time in worship to singing, praying, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, offering, and hearing the Word of God proclaimed (John 4:23-24).

            Do you rush through your private prayers? Do you rush through “meditation” in God’s Word? The definition of “meditation” would include adequate time given. Should we rush through our worship to God? While the example as a Law does not apply to the Christian, when Solomon offered a thousand burnt offering, the principle of how long that would have taken him just might apply. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40) regarding how God is worshiped and in the context of being a living sacrifice. How long does it take…