When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Romans 5:6 NLT
I’ve always been intrigued by the “just the right time” language in this verse. It lines up with Galatians 4:4 where Paul says, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son,” to redeem those who were under the Law. It seems there comes a time when conditions demand Divine action. Remember Noah? In Genesis 6, God saw that men’s hearts were only evil all the time. In giving Noah his boat-building assignment, God said, “The end of all flesh has come before Me. (Genesis 6:13, ESV Study Bible marg.)” The implication in context is that God’s divine purposes have intersected with the rebellion and violence of man, and something has to give.
It’s important for us to know the “time” or season we are living in. God usually tries to tell us to get ready for big stuff ahead. Think Noah and the ark. Think John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord. This last Thursday, I heard that still small voice on the inside say very calmly, “Your life is about to change drastically.” It wasn’t scary or angry or loud, just matter-of-fact. My sense is that it’s not just for me, but that big changes are coming in the earth. The seasons are changing, and a collision between God’s purposes and man’s rebellion is inevitable.
In 2016, God spoke to us that the window of opportunity was open, but that it would shut suddenly. I believe it is now closed. That doesn’t mean that we can’t do anything to propagate the Gospel, but that the days of doing so with minimal resistance are over. Paul said we should do it “in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) The days of great resistance and great fruitfulness are here. Will we get knocked aside, or will we press forward? I suppose it’s up to us. I know it’s time to get priorities straightened out and put the things of the Kingdom first. Gathering with the saints is one of those priorities. It’s time. Let’s do this.
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 NIV)
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