Between the Now and Eternity: Human and Divine Perspectives on Time (03/15/'24 -Statement

Between the Now and Eternity: Human and Divine Perspectives on Time The existential view of time emphasizes the fluidity and elusiveness of the present moment, suggesting a human tendency to become entangled in the past or the future. This perspective highlights a common human experience: the challenge of remaining anchored in the present. The existentialist message seems to encourage an awareness and appreciation of "now," the only moment truly accessible to us, yet often overlooked as we drift between reminiscences and anticipations. This understanding of time underlines its significance as a medium through which we experience existence, urging an engagement with the immediacy of life that is both profound and ephemeral. The biblical reference to time, as encapsulated in the verse from Revelation 22:13, presents a different dimension of time's significance. Here, time is framed within the context of eternity and the divine. The verse portrays God as transcendent of time, embodying the beginning and the end, and everything in between. This divine perspective on time suggests a linear progression with a defined start and conclusion, yet it also intimates an eternal nature, beyond the limits of human understanding. In this view, time is a creation of God, a framework within which human history unfolds, and ultimately, a realm over which God has absolute sovereignty. Comparing these perspectives, it's clear that the existentialist and biblical views of time diverge in their focus and implications. The existentialist view is deeply rooted in human experience, emphasizing the subjective nature of time and its role in the personal and immediate aspects of existence. It speaks to the individual's consciousness and the psychological experience of time passing, urging a present-centeredness. On the other hand, the biblical perspective offers a more objective and universal view of time, one that is intertwined with the divine narrative. It presents time as a cosmic principle, a part of the created order, and a domain over which God presides. This view transcends individual human experience, situating time within the grand scheme of creation and eternity. While both perspectives acknowledge time's pivotal role in existence, they differ significantly. The existentialists focus on the individual's temporal experience and the importance of living in the present, whereas the biblical view situates time within a larger, divine framework, highlighting its ultimate insignificance in the face of eternity. This contrast not only reflects diverse understandings of time's nature but also illustrates the broad spectrum of human contemplation on time, from the deeply personal to the universally divine. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 15, 2024)