“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.
