A confusing spiritual question was posed to Jesus in a conversation that took place with a woman at the side of a well. His answer, at first glance, was equally perplexing: “The time is coming and is now here.”
It made more sense after I thought about it for a while.
I occasionally wonder if I’ll ever overcome my shortcomings. Then I look back on progress made, slowly, over many years. Could the positive trajectory continue? “The time is coming and is now here.”
Loved ones struggle with losses of all types. Relief this side of eternity seems impossible. At the perfect moment, someone shares a kind word, a smile, a random act. “The time is coming and is now here.”
A glorious day is spent with another human. Deep bonding occurs. I want this experience to last forever. “The time is coming and is now here.”
In what seems like a statement of paradox, therefore, is a message of hope and a message of celebration. It’s a promise for tomorrow, of which we get a glimpse today.
A true case of then and now.
If I’ve learned anything – anything – getting older, it’s the value of here and now appreciation. When I was younger, everything was a contingency – “If I do this and this right, then I’ll feel good about my life tomorrow.” It was this ongoing chess game, and that is a really disappointing game, because when you get to checkmate, it never feels like it should. So If I read an enlightening blog article, or have a good talk with a friend, or see a beautiful sunset, that’s the glimpse of a deeper world I can enjoy right now.
I agree. Even though salvation happens at a certain time in ones
life. The making of a Christian is a life long process.
So thankful for Gods goodness and love. Blessings!
Thanks so much for your comment. Very good insight.