The phrase "there is a set time for everything" comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which states that life is composed of different seasons and cycles, with a "time for every purpose under heaven."
This concept suggests that all activities, from joys and sorrows to creation and destruction, occur in their own designated time, which is beyond human control and is part of God's divine plan.
The Bible states that God set a specific time for His Son, Jesus to be born, to suffer and die for mankind's sin and to rise again to reveal His power over death for Himself as well as those who put their faith in Him.
His birth is described as the "fullness of time" in Galatians 4:4, which means at just the right time. John 3:16 tells us that God sent His only begotten Son that whoever would believe in Him, would have eternal life. I Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."
Jesus assured Martha in John 11 concerning being resurrected by telling her this, "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
The right timing in all these situations were critical to Jesus' proof of who He was and would be the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
The exact timing of the second coming is unknown, with Jesus stating that "about that day or hour no one knows" except the Father.
The Apostle Paul writes that Jesus was born "when the fullness of time had come" Galatians 4:4-5.
This timing was not accidental but part of God's plan, fulfilling prophecies recorded in the scriptures.
The timing of Jesus' return to rapture those that put their trust and faith in Him is also known only to God. Jesus stated that the day and hour of his coming are not known to anyone but God the Father.
Because the timing of His return is unknown to all but God, the Bible encourages believers to be prepared at all times and for the lost.
He warns, in 2 Corinthians 6:2 "...that today is the day for salvation."
Do not put it off!
The delay of Jesus' coming is attributed to God's mercy and patience, giving more people time to repent and accept salvation.
The first time Jesus came, He came to give His life and conquer death by defeating it, in order to save those that would believe in Him.
The next time Jesus returns, it will be for the saved, those whom He has redeemed through His first coming.
There is also an appointed time for you and I. A time to be born, a time to live and a time to die. But dear friend there is also an appointed time for us to face God's judgment.
God's word tells us that death is an inevitable and a predetermined event for all individuals, but the exact timing is unknown to humans.
Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment".
We will all stand before God one day, and the only thing that will matter to us at that time is what we did with the Son of God. Did we receive what He did on the cross for us, or did we deny and reject it.
The ball is in our court sweet friend. What will you do with Jesus? Today is just the right time for you to decide.
Hold Fast,
-Bren
- Brenda Parsons is a longtime contributor and her column can be found weekly on your Tate Record Church Page.
