GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 6:35
Time Flies
As I write these words, it is the second day of July—this year is now half gone. In a conversation yesterday, someone said, “Where did June go?” As I think about it, a more appropriate question would be, “Where has the first half of this year gone?”
The awareness of the swiftness of time seems to be more acute as we age. Many large clocks have “Tempus Fugit” on their dials, which translates as “time flies.”
The fleeting nature of time is a theme woven into poetry and drama. Biblical writers were certainly struck by the swift nature of time’s passage. Job said, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.” (Job 7:6) The psalmist wrote, “They quickly pass.” (Psalm 90:10) James said, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) Feeling the same way, Peter said, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.” (1 Peter 1:24)
Jesus’ disciples became aware of the swift passage of time. In his gospel, Mark wrote that Jesus’ disciples returned from their missionary journey and reported to Jesus, who wanted them to retreat with him to a place where they could rest, so they took a boat ride across the northern tip of the Sea of Galilee. People saw their boat as it slowly made its way eastward and followed them on foot. When the disciples arrived in the area of Bethsaida, a large crowd met them. Having compassion for the people, Jesus began to minister and to teach them. Time passed. “And when the hour was late, his disciples came to him and said to him, ‘This place is desolate and the hour is already late.’” (Mark 6:35)
It appears that Jesus was not aware of the passage of time as ministered to people, which is a common experience for everyone—being focused on the task at hand and unaware of the passage of time. The disciples, however, were conscious of the sun’s inevitable trek toward the west and wanted to draw Jesus’ attention to the lateness of the hour.
Tempus fugit.
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