Read: Romans 5:6
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
At the right time–Timing is important for so many things. I (John) know that my most productive time of day is first thing in the morning. If I am preparing a sermon (or writing a devotion!) I know that ideas will come to me most readily early in the day. By noon, I am much less productive.
If you are cooking a meal, it is important to cook the food the correct amount of time, or the result could range anywhere from undercooked to burnt. Timing is essential for a comedian, so that they deliver the punch line of a joke at the right time for maximum effect. Many books, seminars, and recordings have been designed to help us with our own time management.
Years ago, Doris and I attended a workshop concerning choral music rehearsal technique. An example that we focused on was one of Bach’s cantatas, entitled Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (God’s time is the very best time). Bach had it right—God’s timing is perfect–the very best. And God’s timing is different than ours. Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses, expresses his awe at God’s time:
For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. In morning worship, we read Matthew 21:1-11, about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, when people placed palm branches and cloaks along Jesus’ path, shouting “Hosanna,” (O save, in Hebrew). It was a magnificent occasion. And the timing was right. In a human sense, the timing was right because it was Passover and Jerusalem was filled with thousands of visitors: Jesus would make his entry into the city, overturn the tables of the moneychangers, and confront the scribes and Pharisees at a time when His actions would attract maximum attention. For Jesus, and for his Father in heaven, it was right because it was the time that God had established through all of eternity for Jesus to complete His mission here on earth. Earlier in His earthly ministry, Jesus had told the disciples of His mission, although they did not understand his words until after the resurrection:
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (Mark 8:31)
On Palm Sunday, Jesus knew that the time had arrived for Him to set in motion the events that would occur through the rest of the week, leading Him to the cross. As our High Priest, and the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world through His death on the cross, Jesus was ready to bring God’s plan for our redemption to completion. Through regular communication with His heavenly Father, through prayer, Jesus knew His will, His plan, and the right time to bring it to completion.
As Christians, it is important for us to do things in God’s time. This can sometimes be difficult. If there is some item that we want, don’t we tend to want it now. On the other hand, if something needs to be done, I can also tend to procrastinate. How do we know God’s will and timing for our lives? Through the work of the Holy Spirit in each believer’s prayer life, Bible reading, and counsel from other Christians, we can know what our Father has for us to do, and how our own plans and timing fit with the God’s will for us.
Take time to reflect
During the days leading up to Easter, take time to reflect on our Lord Jesus Christ, His sacrifice and victory, and the perfect timing of the events that unfolded beginning that first Palm Sunday.
Can you think of a time when you wanted something, but the timing wasn’t right? How did you deal with that situation?
What resources are available to you to reveal God’s will, his plan, and His perfect timing in our lives?
When many of us are being ordered to be at home due to the pandemic, use the time wisely, and spend some time with our heavenly Father. If you don’t know Him personally, now is the time to begin that life-saving relationship.