Though He is not governed by time, our God is NEVER late or early.
There Is ALWAYS Time
Acts 2:1 – And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
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Consider the following events and the time surrounding them: Noah’s building of the ark and the coming of the flood; the destruction of Sodom after God’s visit with Abraham; Joseph interpreting dreams for Pharaoh; Moses bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt; Joshua and the children of Israel in their marching around Jericho; Daniel interpreting the “handwriting on the wall” for Nebuchadnezzar; Jesus telling His followers to “tarry in Jerusalem.”
Each of these incidents gives clear evidence of a great truth relating to our God. His great judgments, His great moves, His mighty points of change ALL were announced in some way ahead of the moment of their beginning. No one can honestly say that God did NOT warn or inform them of what was coming. Before the flood, Noah not only built an ark, but preached righteousness for 120 years. Before He destroyed Sodom, God first spoke to Abraham, who interceded on the behalf of any righteous people who could be found there. Joseph’s interpretation of dreams spared Egypt AND the Israelites living in Egypt from the ravages of famine to come. Abram warned his seed of their impending captivity in a foreign country LONG before Moses had to lead Israel out of Egypt. Before the walls of Jericho fell down flat, the inhabitants had seven days of warnings in which, at least some of them, could have surrendered or left the city. The “handwriting on the wall” in Babylon presented warning to which its leaders could have yielded. And, of course, Jesus’ command to “tarry” held dynamic purpose as those who obeyed the “tarry” command discovered. And oh, what a discovery!
I have heard some people say that God is a God of surprises. HE IS NOT! As He said concerning His judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah that He would not do anything until He had first revealed it to His friend, Abraham. If things of God are hidden, they are hidden FOR us, not FROM us. Only one thing is hidden FROM us; the moment Father will send Jesus for the Church. And while our heavenly Father is NOT a God of surprises, He most assuredly IS a God of SUDDENLIES.
Dear one, just because something happens SUDDENLY does not mean it is a SURPRISE. It is generally in our ignorance that we are overtaken by surprises. A birthday party may be a surprise, but it is only because the “surprised” person is ignorant of the event. But in the kingdom of God, God does not go about surprising His people. He is a Father Who forewarns, foretells, and prepares His people for what is to come. And even though we know NOT the time of the rapture, we are already forewarned of its coming. Don’t be surprised. You have time NOW to be ready.
Manna for Today – Acts 2:1-13; Galatians 4:1-7; Genesis 49:10; Ephesians 1:10
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My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 