“Discerning the voice of God requires an internal clock that perceives His promptings. And it’s our reaction time to those promptings that leads to supernatural synchronicities: being at the right place at the right time with the right people.”- Mark Batterson
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ “- Isaiah 30:21
In Chapter 10 (“The Archer’s Paradox”) of Whisper, Mark Batterson asserts the statement “timing is everything” is especially true when it comes to learning the language of promptings. Thus, God makes it His business to strategically position us in the right place at the right time. However, at times we fail to recognize that prompting as such. But, Mark adds, God’s always on time. Even if it’s just in time.
Furthermore, Pastor Batterson notes that the New Testament uses two words for time:
- chronos – refers to clock time or calendar time. Also, chronos is sequential – past, present, and future – as well as linear. Therefore, it moves in only one direction. Finally, chronos designates how humans measure time. Chronos counts minutes.
- kairos – refers to opportune time. Kairos describes qualitative time. It capture moments – critical moments or the appointed time.
Most noteworthy, kairos comes from the sport of archery. The term denotes an arrow “fired with sufficient force to penetrate the target.” Better yet, Mark notes, it’s the archer’s paradox. Because logic dictates that you aim an arrow directly at the target. But when the target’s a long distance away, many variables affect the arrow’s flight path. As a result, the archer must aim the arrow off-target in order to hit the target. Therefore, kairos = the ability to define those variables.
Hence, when the apostle Paul told us to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16, KJV), he used the word kairos. Literally, the word means “making the most of every opportunity.”
In conclusion, Pastor Batterson states, life’s measured in kairos moments. And part of hearing God’s voice involves discerning those moments.
Today’s question: What Bible verses fine tune your internal clock? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s kingdom – the speed of a seed”
