Christ, His Time

~ Both Actions and Timing Need God’s Direction ~

Past  ~  “In the beginning God [a plural word—indicating the Trinity] created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5).

Salvation  ~  “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.  Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.  And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me?  My hour has not yet come’ (John 2:1-4).  At this point Jesus had done no miracles!  He was always in perfect subjection to His Father’s will—including timing.  Then He fulfilled His mission on earth and later we read:  “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’  And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (John 19:30).  “And He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). 

Present  ~  “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).  “Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

Future  ~  “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).  “He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.  They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb [Jesus Christ—the Lamb of God] who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:15-17). 

Conclusion  ~  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

comment  ~  A common fault among Christians is that they we are too slow in doing Christ’s work when He calls us.  Another common fault is that move ahead of God.  Like our Savior we need to be in constant communication with Him and move in His timing. 

Another way of looking at this balance is that while we need earnestness and zeal we also need self-restraint and patience. 

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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