Recently I was browsing in a little shop which sold miscellaneous interesting objects, some of them old, all fascinating and mostly things I would never buy!
My attention was drawn to a large clock displayed on a wall, along with a few similar smaller ones.
The feature which particularly captured my interest was the intricate collection of cogs, intentionally visible, steadily moving in perfect synchronisation, each fitting with those around it.
The correct functioning of the timepiece depended upon these cogs fitting and moving together as they were designed to do.
My eyes then shifted to the hands of the clock; what struck me about these was how very slowly they were moving, so slowly as to be almost imperceptible, yet with perfect precision. The bold Roman numerals together with the clear black hands made it very easy to read the time.
Often I sense God speaking to me through scenes, objects and situations, so my first response when I first noticed the clock was , ‘ I wonder what God is saying? There is something prophetic in this’.
As I contemplated, I realised that there were several dimensions:
God’s complete control of situations:
Have you ever been in a situation where you have felt confused and out of control, waiting for an answer to prayer or for a promise to be fulfilled that has been spoken over you?
We would like the answer to come swiftly and with the minimum pain or effort on our part, but we know from experience that God often doesn’t work in that way! But, like the hands of the clock, God is not in a hurry. His timing is perfect and he understands completely the mechanisms necessary, the things that have to happen and in what order for His purposes to be accomplished.
God’s sovereignty and perfect knowledge of world events
His prophetic clock is ticking steadily, the hands moving inevitably towards the time when Jesus returns and ultimately towards the end of time. Like the bold numerals on the clock in the shop, we can read the signs of the times as we study God’s word and the timeline of events which are foretold in Scripture.
The only thing we cannot be certain of is the exact date of Jesus’s return.
However, we are urged to be vigilant, watchful and ready by keeping our ‘lamps full of oil’, as did the wise virgins in the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25:1-13.
meaning the maintaining of a close personal relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Church is like a working clock
Apart from the obvious analogies of time, I became aware also that the clock in the shop provided a picture of how the Church, the Bride of Christ, should function. We are all parts of the Body of Christ, or, if you like, parts of the clock.
As the cogs were perfectly positioned to enable correct functioning, so it is with the Body. Every part is vital, the large, the small, the obvious parts like the hands and numerals as well as those which work behind the scenes. As with any machinery it is necessary for the parts to be well oiled to ensure smooth and efficient working.
It is interesting that whereas the inner workings of a clock are not usually visible, they were very visible in the clock I have described. To me, this is a reminder that God sees all the members, all the parts, those in the background or behind the scenes , not only those who are up front, noticed and esteemed by others.
He sees the heart of each of us , and values all, including those who may feel insignificant.
I thank you, Lord, that you know every detail of my life, the things I struggle with, my fears and insecurities, the situations which test me, the challenges, large and small, which I face.
Thank you that I can trust you in all things, that you are working your purposes out in my life and that your timing is always perfect
May I be so in tune with your Spirit that I I am aware not only of how you are working within in my own life but also in the world. Let me be alert to the signs of the times and be faithful and obedient to you, living in a posture of humility and love, learning to be prepared for your return.
Enable me to find my unique place within the Body of Christ, encouraging, blessing and valuing my brothers and sisters so we can work together, in partnership with you, in your calling to us all to go into all the world and preach the gospel, making disciples, to the glory of your name.
Amen