Divine Timing and Human Expectation
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | April 18, 2024 | John 7:6-9
KEY VERSE:
Therefore, Jesus told them, "My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. John 7:6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 7:1-9, we find Jesus navigating the tension between divine timing and human expectation. Despite pressure from His brothers to reveal Himself publicly, Jesus recognized that His time had not yet come. He understood the importance of divine timing in fulfilling His purpose on earth. This passage reminds us of the significance of patience and trust in God's timing in our own lives. Often, we may feel the urge to rush ahead or force outcomes according to our desires, but like Jesus, we are called to wait for the perfect timing orchestrated by God.
Jesus' response to His brothers reflects His deep understanding of the Father's plan and His unwavering commitment to it. He knows that His mission on earth is not to fulfil earthly expectations but to align Himself perfectly with the will of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example by surrendering our desires and plans to the perfect timing of God. Through prayer and discernment, we can trust that God's timing is always perfect, even when it may seem delayed or different from our expectations.
Ultimately, the passage challenges us to reflect on our attitudes towards timing and trust in God's sovereignty. Just as Jesus patiently waited for the appointed time to reveal Himself, we are called to wait with faith and obedience for God's timing in our lives. By relinquishing control and submitting to His divine plan, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and purposes for us, knowing that His timing is always perfect, and His ways are higher than ours.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you identified the call of God on your life? Have you discovered a gift God has given you for His service? Do not be in a hurry to come out showing yourself to the world. Let God hide you and train you to strive for mastery in the use of your gift and call. Wait for His perfect timing for your showing to the world.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, keep me in a place of humility and hide me from the crowds. Until your timing is just right. Help me to learn your ways in submission and obedience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: MY TIME The Greek phrase used for "my time" is "ὁ καιρὸς ὁ ἐμός" (ho kairos ho emos), where "καιρὸς" (kairos) refers to a specific, opportune time or season, and "ἐμός" (emos) means "my" or "mine."
Jesus' statement indicates His awareness of divine timing and submission to the Father's will regarding the timing of His ministry and ultimate sacrifice. He knew His earthly ministry was intricately connected to God's appointed plan, and He remained obedient to fulfil His mission according to God's timetable.
Reflections:
Are there areas where we are impatient or seeking to control the timing of events, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom? How can we cultivate a deeper sense of surrender and obedience to God's timing, recognizing that His timing is always perfect and purposeful?
