What's the Rush?

Not until the 14th century did the Europeans have mechanical timepieces. Until then, time was measured by water clocks, sand clocks and sundials. But to become a master of time, to assimilate night into day, to slice life into neat, usable portions, we had to find a way to mark off precise small pieces. We would have to make a machine (a clock). While there was remarkable progress five thousand years ago in measuring the year and useful week clusters of days, only in modern times did we begin to live by the hour, much less the minute.

Look around your house at all the digital clocks that record the minutes. They are clicking away as I sit at my computer. Our cell phones advertise their wonder by giving free minutes! But have humans really conquered time? Or has time conquered us? We are, it seems to me, slaves to calendar, date book and clock. We feel guilty unless every minute is filled with exercise, or work, or networking or a carefully scheduled “quiet time.” This is in sharp contrast to the scripture.

• “Take some time” to identify your concerns and priorities as you begin this study.

LISTEN – Matthew 6:25-34

Although this scripture is included in the Sermon on the Mount, I see this conversation taking place as Jesus walked through a beautiful field of wild flowers on a lovely sunny day. Do you think he might have spoken words like this many times as he pointed out places of beauty, birds or flowers? Think of a place in your experience that offers natural beauty as you reread these words. Stay with this scene long enough to begin to relax. Pay attention to your breathing as you breathe out stress and breathe in peace and calm.

• How does your body feel as you see yourself in your place with Jesus? “Take some time” to notice details of the scene. Is there a bird? A beetle? A violet? In this setting ask yourself the question, “What’s the rush?”

REFLECT

Matthew’s gospel is a collection of teachings and, as with Mark’s gospel, has Jesus moving rather rapidly through events. Luke depicts a more peaceful prayerful Jesus. But all of the gospels show Jesus with time for individuals such as beggars, women and children, without regard for reputation or prestige. He seems to use interruptions as opportunities. He seems to be a person with clear boundaries and clear direction.

• What is preventing you from slowing down? “Stopping to smell the flowers?”

When do you feel a sense of hurry? A lack of time to complete a task?

What does seeking the kingdom first mean to you?

• “Take some time” to work with your calendar. What can you learn? What can you leave? Is your anxiousness the cause of your rushing? What do you need that you don’t have? Can your haste help you achieve what you want?

CONNECT

I wonder if you noticed how many times I said “Take some time.” I noticed this myself and realize this very phrase is a clue to my freedom. All of us will relate to time differently because of differences in personality, age and vocation. Even the questions in this study come from my own workaholic character. My dictums tell me I can’t play until my work is done! You can discover your own questions and the controls that bind you.

I rushed into my garden this morning to quickly pick fresh flowers for my house and hurry in to sit at the computer and write this study! As I began to gather the flowers, a gentle breeze came. I looked up and saw a downy woodpecker at the bird feeder. Suddenly the text came to mind, “Consider the lilies.” But this time I heard it not as a command, but as permission. “You have the time. You may choose to slow down and enjoy this beautiful morning.” These words were not a judgement of my faith, but rather an assurance of the graciousness and generosity of a loving God.

• What words in the text embody the Good News for you? Has the question, “What’s the rush?” changed for you? Tell your group or your journal about your discoveries.

ACT

In this scripture as in his life Jesus was modeling a way of living. Choosing to notice the messages in nature reminds us of God’s creativity and faithfulness. Trees and rivers, stars and oceans remind us of the slower movement of time. We can move out of our time/space box for a moment or more and connect with the timelessness of eternity. I will name this study “Consider the Lilies.” What will you name yours?

This relational bible study is reprinted from Nancy’s new book, Call is Not a One-Time Thing. This year, all four relational bible study columns come from this new resource.

• Read description of a Relational Bible Study.

Nancy Boyle is a relational Bible teacher and member of the Elder Council of Faith At Work. She is also a workshop leader, Christian Education Consultant and lives in Columbia SC with her husband, Mac.