In music it is called rhythm. One might think of it as keeping the beat. The rhythm, the beat, the timing, all refers to the same thing. In certain genres of music, the drums do this. In my particular music, the beat is kept by the bass fiddle or at least by a rhythm guitar or the chop of a mandolin. Whatever the case, rhythm or timing is critical to music. Timing is everything.
“Timing is everything” is not only true in musical circles. Consider a passage from Galatians 4:4.
But when the fullness of the time had come, GOD sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Timing. When the fullness of time had come… GOD’S timing is everything. Certain events happened at the perfect time in history. GOD chose the right time to send Jesus to the earth in order to redeem man. There are wonderful lessons associated with the timing of that event. The world conditions relative to the Greek language, the roads of the Roman Empire, the judicial system and the peace under the Roman Empire, etc. are just a few things that were present 2,000 years ago, that made it “the fullness of time.” This is not to mention all of the 300+ prophecies of the coming Messiah in the Old Testament, having been or would soon be fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ.
I wish to take our thoughts in a different direction today. Consider GOD’S timing as opposed to man’s timing. As I consider my life and look back on it, I see His hand in my life especially related to the timing. I can see His perfect timing in so many events in my life.
Let us consider some interesting Scriptures relative to GOD’S timing.
In John 7:30 and again in 8:20, we find,
They sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.
His hour had not yet come because it was not GOD’S appointed time.
In Matthew 26:5 and Mark 14:2, we find the Jewish leaders plotting to take Jesus to kill Him.
But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
The leaders were plotting to take Him, but according to man’s plans, it was not the right time. Man’s timing said not yet.
However, it was during this feast that GOD had other plans. According to His timeline, it was the right time and Jesus said, “The hour has come…” (John 12:23)
Earlier, the leaders wanted to kill Him but GOD’S timing said, “No, not now, the hour has not come.” Then the leaders said, “Not now, the time is not right. Not now, but later.” GOD said, “Now.”
GOD’S timing is always perfect and His will will be done.
It is during this time of year when the world considers the birth of our LORD that I am thankful for His Providential Timing.
Gal 4:4 – But when the fullness of the time had come, GOD sent forth His Son…
Jesus Christ, the Savior, was sent at just the right time. GOD’S timing. He said, “When.”
I am thankful for His perfect timing. I am thankful for that wonderful gift of Grace without which we would have no hope.