Time

In Messina, we saw the biggest ancient astronomical clock in Italy. As we waited, lions roared, roosters screeched, and when the angels and saints inched around the circle, it seemed to take forever. Sometimes we think that it goes too slow, but in God’s hands, it’s a tool. It humbles us. It slows us down. It teaches us to love, to forgive, to endure. Time wasn’t part of Eden’s blueprint. It was God’s gift to humanity the moment we fell. Why? Because redemption takes time. Forgiveness takes a moment, but transformation takes a lifetime. God gave us time to get to know Him and learn to love. One day, “...There should be time no longer.” Revelation 10:6. When redemption is complete, time will have served its purpose. If salvation is just about forgiveness, it could happen in a day. But redemption is about being conformed to the image of Jesus—and that takes time. We’re not just being saved from something; we’re being prepared for Someone. Heaven isn’t just a destination—it’s likeness to Jesus. Time burns slowly, but character is forged, pride is broken, and love is refined. Sometimes even failure is formation. When Rebekah was being brought to Isaac on the camel, it was a time the servant could talk about and reveal the bridegroom to her. By the time they met, she felt like she already knew him.  

Friends, we have the gift of time to sit and talk with Him, so we can get to know Him, and He us, for neither Jesus nor we want to be surprised on the day of the wedding, and find we never knew Him.