Who influences what we believe? Or what influences us, I should say, in what we believe? Do you take someone’s word for it for determining the right time to speak and move in what God has ordained? Discerning the right time is sometimes very difficult.
Moving forward in opposition is a tough thing to do. Moving out when you have been endorsed is so much smoother in our journey.
Jesus was told by his brothers to “Leave here (Galilee) and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do.” (John 7: 4) He had been purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews were waiting to take his life.
His brothers were telling him to show himself to the world, but their encouragement was not sincere. “His own brothers did not believe in Him.” (John 7: 5)
- Stepping out in the things of the Lord without the family’s blessing is a lonely road.
- Jesus knows what opposition feels like.
Jesus’s own family members were not supportive of His call and His purpose. He says to them, “The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me; because I testify that what it does is evil.” (John 7:7)
- When you are called of God, the right time is the only time, not just any time.
He then tells His brothers to go ahead of Him to the Feast of Tabernacles, reiterating that His time had not come yet. Jesus does go up to the Feast, not publicly, but secretly.
The Jews were watching for Him, and Jesus knew it. Some folks said, “He’s a good man.” Others said, “He deceives people.” Yes, Jesus was falsely accused on many occasions, so he sympathizes when we are accused falsely.
- Everything we encounter here on this earth, Jesus has encountered.
- He identifies with us in so many more ways than we know.
Halfway through the Feast, Jesus begins to teach in the temple courts. The people were amazed at His teaching. Here’s how Jesus responded, “He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the One who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.” (John 7: 18)
- An anointed teaching will amaze and gather many. Numbers will grow without any coaxing.
- Working for the honor and audience of One will be perceived and received by many.
Jesus was accused of being demon-possessed, because of the miracles He performed. Jesus told them, “I do one miracle and you are all astonished. If a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with Me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath! Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment.” (John 7: 21-24)
Jesus understood Jewish law. He was not saying that the Sabbath should not be observed or that the regulations were too harsh. He was saying that there are times where work must be done on the Sabbath, such as circumcision. His point was, deeds of mercy were in this category.
(Shared from John 7: 1-24, Modified)
The right time for a Spirit of grace and strength was coming. Zechariah prophesied, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a Spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12: 10)
- The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
He said, “I will make an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” (Zechariah 12: 3)
Here are more promises for Jerusalem. All Jerusalem’s enemies will be destroyed, “But Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.” (Jeremiah 12: 6)
- When devastation is all around, being at the right time, in the right place, we still can flourish. (Zechariah 12, Modified)
The young are in the right place. “David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. (1 Chronicles 27: 23) The youngins were protected from going into the army too soon.
- Moving at the right time brings multiplication.
It was the right time to announce to Solomon the plan of the Lord for him. David summoned all the people to Jerusalem and assembled as he announced this plan. David said, “I have written from the hand of the Lord upon me, and He gave me understanding in all the details of the plan.”(1 Chronicles 28: 19)
- Getting a detailed plan from the Lord is more than possible. Write the vision and ask for blueprints.
- When it’s the right time to step out, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” (1 Chronicles 28: 20)
- When it’s the right time, “He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work of the Lord is finished.” (1 Chronicles 28: 20) (Shared from 1 Chronicles 28: 20)
Is it the right time for us? We are told, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1)
“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10: 12)
As we await the appointed and right time, remember, “My times are in Your hand.” (Psalm 31: 15)
- Rest assured, God’s never late. He’s always on time! (Shared from 1 Chronicles 27-28, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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