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I wrote yesterday that Jesus seemed to be relaxed about time. Not like some of us, especially in the U.S., who are always rushing to get somewhere and trying hard to get more things done.

I’m reminded that there are two words translated “time” in the New Testament. One is chronos from which we get our word chronometer: timepiece. The other is kairos, which has the idea of “the right time.”

Kairos: Time (particular and general); right time, opportune time, proper time, appointed time. (From www.stepbible.org, an excellent resource!)

In the field of education, for example, we’re normally driven by chronos time. One of my Air Force professors, Dr. Dan Brown, liked to tell this story illustrating, essentially, chronos time: most schools’ approach to teaching. He would say:

I attended Catholic school, taught by nuns, and I remember taking Algebra. Before the year was out, we switched to Geometry. I said to my teacher, “Sister, have I learned all the Algebra I need for college?” “No, Daniel.” “Do you think I’m incapable of learning any more Algebra?” “No, Daniel.” “Then if I need to learn more Algebra, and I’m capable of learning more Algebra, why are we switching to Geometry?” “Because it’s February.”

That’s chronos time! We do something because the schedule calls for it.

Jesus didn’t seem to operate that way. I don’t know how this would work out for you and me. I’m just beginning to think about it.

You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time (kairos) has not yet fully come.” (John 7.8, NKJV)