1/28/07

He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority' (Acts 1:7)

The following is from Bits and Pieces (& sermonillustrations.com) In his youth, Andrew Carnegie, the famous steelmaker, worked for Thomas A. Scott, the local superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Carnegie was employed as a telegrapher, secretary, and general worker at $35 a month. One morning a serious railroad accident delayed the passenger trains and freight trains were on sidings, unable to move in either direction. Scott could not be located, so Carnegie plunged into the breach—knowing what had to be done, but also aware that an error could cost him his job and perhaps criminal prosecution. He signed Scott's name to the orders and got the trains moving with no mishaps. When Scott arrived at the office, Carnegie told him what happened. Scott carefully looked over everything that the boy had done, and said nothing. "But I noticed," Carnegie said, that he came in very regularly and in good time for some mornings after that.

Shhh! Don't tell anybody, but I'm not punctual anymore. Years ago, I was one of those people who was ALWAYS on time. Usually not early; never late! I was on time! It seemed to be a virtue in those days, and I still think being on time is good, but it just doesn't seem to work anymore. Actually, it helps me to view my “old” ways as: compulsive!

And, by the way, I'm not the only one who thinks that being on time isn't so necessary. I drink tea these days instead of coffee (and you never know – drinking tea might be why I'm late). I belatedly discovered that my Good Earth tea bag tags are something like a "fortune cookie" they have little platitudes printed on them. The one I used for the cup of tea I am drinking right now contains a quote from diarist and writer Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966). She said, Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.

By that she's suggesting that if we are always on time like I used to be, we probably need to have something more to do in life. And by the way, whatever you want, whether it's escape from boredom, safety, a better life, whatever it may be ask the Lord, and then WAIT. It may be moments or decades, but be willing to GO, for God, in His time WILL answer that prayer, and if boredom is your problem, you won't be bored anymore. He has a plan for you and He hears and answers prayer.

I'm late, Andrew Carnegie's boss was late, and many others are late for appointments in the busy world in which we live. There ALWAYS seems to be a lot to do and little time to do it. But please note our Scripture for today. God is never late. He is always perfectly on time. He had a time for Creation, a time for the Messiah to come, and He has a very specific time for the Lord's return to this earth. And it's not "compulsion," either. It's just that, unlike you and me, His actions, His intent and His timing are right in every way.

David the shepherd boy, the poet, warrior, prophet, song writer and king, commented, I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). That means he was born at just the right time, he would die at precisely just the right moment, his body was fashioned exactly as it was meant to be, his parents and siblings were carefully chosen; he was born into the proper nation, and so on. We were, too, whether we know it or not.

Many feel that God made some kind of mistake in their creation. It's entirely possible that ALL of us have felt that way in relation to one or probably more of the factors within our lives. I've met quite a few who feel they were born at the wrong time. They would love to live 100 years ago, or 2000 years ago, and be a part of some great historical event. The obvious argument against going back is that most of us could not live in a time without "modern" conveniences. Finding adequate food without a supermarket can be a problem. Some wish they were among the disciples that followed Jesus. Please note that many of His disciples became impatient and “walked with Him no more (John 6:66). They were given the opportunity and incredibly walked away from it! We really don't know ourselves like God does, and He has placed you into PRECISELY the right context for your life. You'll do better the way you are than any other way you might think you should be. God has intended you, in His love, to be just as you are.

In today's Scripture, we find that the disciples had the blessing of spending forty days with the Risen Christ, looking at Him, touching Him and listening to His words. They were given infallible proofs of who and what He was (and is - Acts 1:3). He told them of the wonder of the Holy Spirit that was to come, but they did not understand, anymore than most of us understand today.

It was precisely the time for them to remain in Jerusalem, pray, and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit to be fulfilled in their hearts and lives (Acts 1:4). To their credit, they did wait. But they also involved themselves in political discussions, casting lots, and choosing for themselves a man named Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26). And they had a deep concern about their nation when would Jesus overthrow the Roman Empire and restore the nation Israel? (Acts 1:6). Note that Rome would be overthrown, but in God's timing, which was hundreds of years later. And Israel would be restored as a nation but an interesting 2000 years in the future.

Each one of us is part of the times and seasons that God has carefully placed into this world. He has a blueprint, a precise plan for the unfolding of the history of mankind, and your life fits perfectly into it, just as it is. And the Lord, your Rescuer, came or will come into your heart and life at just the right time, saving you from all that has befallen you, and from dangers in the future. And there is that precise moment in history when He will deliver us from anything that would cause us harm forever.

Do you believe this? His disciples, His apostles, and all who have responded to the Son of God have struggled to understand. The followers of Jesus were unnecessarily concerned about things that were not part of His call for their lives. With the resurrection of Christ, they immediately began planning and trying to shape a future of their own understanding, not unlike the way we are today. God wanted them to believe and receive and that's what He wants from us right now. He will perfectly fill our need – at just the right time.

Dear Lord, I believe in You, and know that Your timing is perfect. Thank You, that, in Christ, it's never too late for me. In Jesus Name. Amen.