We’re looking at geological history here. Strata exposed by water; rocks transported towards the distant sea. Geologists have theorised the movements and changes of the landscape through uncountable years: at some point, the mountains we call the Alps were below sea level. It is not uncommon to find fossils embedded in the limestone rocks and shales far above current ground level.
My photo is a “snapshot” of one brief moment in the ongoing battle between water and stone.
Who is winning? Rock lasts longer than we can imagine; this valley scene is substantially the same as when the first humans settled in Austria. Yet the river has been gnawing away at the landscape and, if Time were infinite, the mountains would become plains. Then some cataclysmic event would raise new mountains and form new seas…
Unless, of course, Time is divided by the Sovereign Lord Almighty.
Because this amazing planet has not been left to its own devices. The Word spoke it into being, and at the precisely correct moment will call “Last Orders!”
History as we know it covers a short portion of geological Time. Our “short” history is full of pain and struggle; the interminable conflict of the war for our soul forces us to cry out for help. “How long, O Lord?” we scream at the heavens. Who is winning? We will find out at the point of decision: when every knee shall bow to Christ, every mountain and stream will cry out in praise, and the King of Kings will fill the new heaven and earth with peace and glory.
The Reflectionary 