Time by the Watch and by the Bible

I have been building off some insights prompted by Os Guinness in Prophetic Untimeliness as I prepare a speech outline for next year. (Preparing speech topics and outlines ten months before the speech is due is a bit daunting but I understand the organizers need to prepare marketing materials etc.-- I have been on the other side of the fence often enough. Hence my present musings....

Guinness describes the invention of the mechanical clock as "pivotal to the rise of the modern world....It is precisely this modern view of time, which I will refer to as 'clock time,' that we must understand if we are to escape its worst effects while simultaneously reasserting the importance of humanness as well as faithfulness." (28-29) Guinness goes on to elucidate how precision, coordination,and pressure are consequences which, if left unchecked, becomes a tyrant.

I have been reflecting on the contrast between this view of time and the biblical view of time. My sketch outline includes

- The beginning of time (Time began at the creation and God built into the creation itself the rhythm of night and day, work and rest, seasons etc.)

- The fullness of time (The central event in human history is the life and death of Jesus Christ, whose coming was anticipated from eternity in the eternal counsel of redemption.)

- The redemption of time (With these biblical givens, what ought to be the believers attitude toward and use of time consist of?)

- The end of time (when eternity comes and the "neither sun to light by day nor moon by night" reality is upon us, how will we enjoy what comes in the place of time.)

Not that I intend to continue my speech preparation on-line, but as I clean up the last bits of this week's work before a long weekend, intended as a time of rest and thanksgiving, it seemed appropriate to reflect on the tyranny of time and obligations of modernity. Among the things to be thankful for, will be the fact that we are unlikely to be wearing watches or checking calendars in the new heaven and the new earth.