"Watches"

 

“Watches”

 

Most people wear a timepiece on their wrist which since the late 15^th century has been referred to as a watch. But the term goes back to the Anglo Saxon period of British history (5^th-11^th centuries) and had to do with wakefulness in times of guarding and observation. Since our lives are often governed by work, social and TV schedules we look at our wrist reminder often to keep us from missing or being late for appointments.

My top dresser drawer is full of all kinds of odds and ends, many of which have no real use but I can’t bring myself to part with them. This includes (at last count) six watches that no longer work (although they’re right twice a day) plus one inexpensive one I wear occasionally to avoid damaging a better one. Two others have special significance. One is a pocket watch which belonged to my grandfather and was passed on to me and which in turn will go on to my son. The other is Karen’s gift to me for our 50^th Anniversary in 2019 which I cherish greatly.

Watches vary widely in price. One is available on (where else?) Amazon for $12.90 and another I saw on line would set me back $185,000 (and it’s previously owned)! But whatever the cost any watch provides the same basic chronological information.

Watches as we know them today weren’t around during biblical times so hours of day and night were determined by observing the sun, moon and stars. But the concept of being alert is commonplace. Jesus told His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41, emphasis added). Later His friend and apostle admonishes us to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, emphasis added). As God’s people we can’t afford to be asleep at the switch—we must be ever vigilant.

There’s one place where watches aren’t present because they’re not needed: Heaven. An old hymn tells us of “when time shall be no more”. Why? Because God is eternal and not bound by time as we are here on earth (“The eternal God is your refuge….”—Deuteronomy 33:27, emphasis added, and “…With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day,”—2 Peter 3:8). David said, “My times are in your hands….” (Psalm 31:15). And what better place could they be for all eternity?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan