The older I get, the more I think about the future – the distant future. And that always includes heaven. I wonder about meeting Jesus, about the many loved ones who are there, about what life in paradise is like day-to-day. But what will day-to-day mean there?
Scripture tells us heaven will have no night, which means day-to-day will be no more. It’ll just be one long day. Does that mean time will end?
In Revelation we’re shown a picture of souls who have been martyred for their faith, and they’re asking God “how long” before justice will be done? They’re aware that that time hasn’t yet come. His answer to their question also involves time: “Wait a little longer.” *
Later we’re told that silence will come to heaven “for about half an hour.” ** Does that hint at the presence of a clock?
We’re also told that the tree of life, from which we’ll all eat, will yield a different fruit each month. Interesting. No more day-to-day but yes on month-to-month?
Maybe time will continue but not in seconds, minutes, and hours as we now know it. Maybe it’ll fly by, or maybe lengthen. One thing for sure is that if time does exist in heaven, it’ll be a positive rather than a negative. We won’t be frustrated by not having enough of it or by having too much, causing it to drag. It will be “perfect timing” all around.
The Bible also gives us a glimpse of how God relates to time:
“Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8)
My friend Fellows has some fascinating thoughts about time in heaven. He writes:
My Dad died 48 years ago. If one day in heaven is 1000 years on earth, then one year on earth is 1.44 seconds in heaven. My Dad has only been in heaven 69 seconds and Nate less than 6 seconds. The Apostle Paul and the 12 disciples only got there the day before yesterday.
It’s not that my Dad has forgotten me; it’s just that he has barely arrived himself. Furthermore, even if I live another 30 years, when I get there, he will say, “Fellows, I just got here myself. I didn’t expect you so soon.”
I like the way Fellows thinks. Based on a biblical mathematical formula, it makes perfect sense. It also explains why we miss our loved ones but they don’t miss us. They don’t have the chance!
Ultimately, I have to let go of my desire to understand this aspect of heaven, adding it to the long list of God’s secrets. But it’s satisfying to know that eventually he’ll explain the whole thing.
All in good time.
“I trust in you, Lord…. My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31:14-15)
Praising and Praying with Mary
- I’m thankful for a quiet day and a long walk with beautiful snowflakes falling.
- Pray for wisdom to know what to do about my feeding tube, which is acting up again.
*Rev. 6:10-11
**Rev. 8:1
