For one year I studied at a Baptist theological seminary in Switzerland near Zurich.I recall one Swiss New Testament professor whose name eludes me but whose demeanor does not.Let’s call him, “Dr. Crusty.”One day I made an appointment with Dr. Crusty.I later remembered the appointment while on a train speeding toward the LakeBrienz area where I was going to buy Christmas gifts to ship home to my family.“Oh, no,” I thought to myself, “I have missed my appointment with Dr. Crusty…”
The next day I slinked into his office ready to deliver my grandest apology: “I am sorry about the appointment yesterday.I…I just did not have time to come by…” Is that what I said? Of course not. No one would ever have said that to Dr. Crusty.And yet, many Christians say that to God in seeking to explain why they do not meet with Him each day: “I DO NOT HAVE TIME.” Five Spirit-grieving words.
Amazing, is it not, that we will say to God what we would never say to Dr. Crusty.
