I may or may not be commenting on the last days here, but I don’t doubt what I have to say here will be interpreted Apocalyptically to some, as it does involve the end of the rule of flesh.

 

The universally accepted interpretation of the term “time” in this verse of Revelation Chapter 12 is one year, and the whole period “time, times and half a time” is the same three and a half years spoken of by the prophet Daniel. While I am no Greek scholar I find in the Strong’s Dictionary that “time” in Revelation is the exact same word used in 1st Corinthians 7:5 where Paul advises those who are married concerning times of prayer and abstaining from times of intimacy:

 

Before I say anything else, let me emphasize that I am in no way suggesting that married couples should purposefully set out to abstain for a year, or feel guilty in any way if times of intimacy are more frequent. What I am saying is that it would not be completely out of line if at some time in your Christian walk a period of abstinence should last that long. Perhaps this is just meant as a word of encouragement for those who find themselves in such an extended time, for whatever reason, and whether intentional or not.

 

The problem is that we have allowed our ideas of what is “normal” to be shaped far too much by the pop notions of our day and far too little by the Word of God. Our sex crazed culture would have us believe that we have not yet begun to live unless we are satisfying our sexual desires like we quench our thirst.

 

The Lord Himself has been very patient with His Bride to be. He has been careful not to consummate the relationship prematurely. He is waiting until the fullness of time, for a Bride that is without spot or wrinkle; one who has been made in His own image and likeness. He will not share His glory with another. Abstinence before marriage in the life of the believer is a picture of this.

 

And while marriage itself is a picture and a testimony of the Lord and His Church coming into blessed union, it is made up of two who have yet to come into that union with their Lord. That more perfect union with Himself is God’s ultimate goal for any believer, and every lesser gift is subject to periods of withdrawal in order to keep our focus on the Giver. May He also give us grace and wisdom to know when those times are, and not try to manufacture them on our own.