Message from David White

It was said by a German mystic, “nothing can be accomplished in a stampede.” The Bible wants us to see the difference between urgency and hurry. We can be ‘urgent’ when we are totally present to a situation, and the present is the very place where the action is taking place. We are attentive to the presence of Christ in each and every situation. The Bible sees nothing wrong with chronology – diaries have to be filled and appointments kept. But to hurry in life is like perpetually missing your flight.

So there also needs to be a strong emphasis on opportunity and significant moments breaking into the present. For example, you could have a date in a diary to attend a concert. You go to the concert, and during it you are moved and inspired, so you leave exclaiming, “what a great time that was!” Or to put it in ways the Bible says in its Greek, ‘Chronos’ has become ‘kairos.’ It’s not that dates and timings and events are unimportant. But it’s the ‘kairos moments’ that energise, envision and enliven. The date has been transformed.

So a proper understanding of chronology will mean that we shall want to be found faithful. A proper perspective of kairos means that we shall be living in expectation of an inbreaking of attentiveness, transforming everything. That’s how Jesus talked when he said, “the time has come – the Kingdom of God is here.” It’s what is meant when we understand what John means when he writes of the Lord Almighty that he is the one “who was, who is, and who is to come.” (Revelation 1:8) The Lord has a past, a present and a future we might say chronologically. But on a deeper level he is always coming towards us, investing in life his significance. His coming towards us constantly will ultimately culminate in his Glorious Appearing – and that will be the ‘kairos moment’ to end all such times.