The clock and the compass are two incredible instruments.
1. The clock is a complex instrument that measures the passing of time. A clock tells us what time it is. It tells us the immediate present, but basically that is all it tells us. It does not predict how much time we have left. It does not give us time and cannot create time. It just measures time.
2. In our society, the clock is an instrument of stress. It reminds us of how much time has passed, time that we no longer have. It cannot predict how much time we have left because it cannot predict interruptions yet to occur. In our society the clock controls when we get up, how fast we live our lives, how hard we push, how long our day is, how fast we drive, and dictates our schedule as it alters our priorities. “What time is it? ” is far more likely to be an anxiety question than a curosity question.
3. A compass is a very simple instrument that points north. Its only purpose is to provide direction. No matter how expensive or inexpensive, no matter how complex or how simple compasses are, they have the same simple purpose–point north. By always pointing north, the compass enables us to establish a sense of direction. The compass is an invaluable instrument when we need direction. It can always help us establish a course, a direction that we can trust even if we don’t know where we are. Because the compass provides a certainty in times of uncertainty, the compass is an instrument of reassurance and comfort.
Jesus became the needle of our spiritual compass by never losing His sense of direction. By always facing and following God.
Nothing ever deceived Jesus; nothing ever led Jesus off God’s course for Him. When satan tempted Him person-to-person, Jesus stayed on course. When the Pharisees challenged and attacked Him, Jesus stayed on course. When His disciples argued and fussed in ignorance and misunderstanding, Jesus stayed on course. When one of His best friends betrayed Him, Jesus stayed on course. When His disciples deserted Him at His arrest, Jesus stayed on course. Ehen He was tried , falsely condemned, ridiculed, and abused, Jesus stayed on course. When He died hanging from a cross, Jesus stayed on course. Hebrews 4:15 states; For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are…yet without sin.
He is the needle of our spiritual compass. As you live life; if you want to identify with God, you start with Jesus. As you struggle in life; if you want direction that will point you to God, you start with Jesus.
Beware! Clocks run down and time runs out. The compass is always there, always steady. When we meet God, and we will, there will be no clock. Time will be no more. But the compass (Jesus) will be there, still pointing to God.
***Taken from a recent sermon by: Rev. Edward M. Bailey (Bethel AME Church of Churchtowne, Lancaster PA)
PRAYER FOCUS: Jesus, thank you for being the needle of my compass, always pointing the way to God. When I can’t find my way, You are steady, and always on course. I want to keep my eyes on the compass (Jesus) and not on the clock. I need Your direction. IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.
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