THE TIME IS AT HAND -- Monday:
"And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand." (Rev 22:10)
This is not an expression about which men are to speculate. Something that is "at hand" is to be considered, pondered, and become the motivation for appropriate preparation. We must rid ourselves of a lifeless academic approach to the Word of God. Jesus is not speaking to us as a Schoolteacher, but as a Lord and Savior. His message is primarily to our hearts, not our minds.
HEART LANGUAGE. This is not time-language but heart-language. It moves us to the consideration of things that have been determined by God. There is not the slightest chance that they will not come to pass. When they will occur is not the point, but that they surely WILL occur. When this word is received, the heart sets about to prepare for what is said to be "at hand." It does not need to know the precise season "the time" will take place.
THE TIME IS AT HAND. This is the manner in which the Holy Spirit frequently speaks to us – addressing our hearts. "The night is far spent, the day IS AT HAND. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12). "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord IS AT HAND" (Phil 4:5). "You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord IS AT HAND" (James 5:8). "But the end of all things IS AT HAND; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers" (1 Pet 4:7).
Viewing these texts as though they focused upon dates diffuse them of their power. When we read the words "AT HAND" we are to begin looking expectantly and with joyful anticipation.
The heart leaps beyond the boundaries of time, obtaining benefit from facts positioned in other times. It can reach backward to Abraham, the law, the Prophets, and the death and resurrection of Christ, obtaining benefits even though they occurred in another time. By the same token, the heart can bound forward, gathering immediate and effectual encouragement from things that have not yet occurred; i.e., the coming of the Lord, entrance into glory, the obtaining of our inheritance, etc. are examples of such things. Those who would equate the words "at hand" with "right around the corner" neuter the texts that contain them. This is not the language of time, but of Divine purpose.
This is the posture of faith: looking and longing for the end of all things. Faith takes hold of the promises, and lives in view of them. It enables the believer to be uprooted from this world and anchored "within the veil." Such language can be strange, indeed, to the intellect – but not to the heart that believes. It speaks of Divine commitment and eternal advantage. It means the heavenly agenda is being fulfilled most precisely, and to our eternal advantage.
Thus, John is told NOT to seal the book, for these things are pertinent to faith. They are food for hope, and encouragement for the persecuted and struggling. Any teaching that hides the determined outcome of all things brings unspeakable handicap to believers! God makes no provision to experiment with the faith of His people. There is no place in the Kingdom of God for lifeless philosophizing and personal opinion, or "private interpretation," none of which are permitted in the Kingdom of God. When you ponder, the unshakable realities revealed in Christ are to be your focus. They will help to stabilize your heart. They will assist you to live soberly and godly in this present world. It will not be long until the race is finished. Hold on! That is how faith sees it, and that is how hope embraces it.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to live in the prospect of the ending of time.