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INTRODUCTION
History looks like a series of random events. But God has a divine timetable. Ecc. 3:1 “There is an appointed
time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Timing is everything.
ILLUS: Comedians: Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Johnny Carson. The dramatic pause. Jay Leno later
this year stepping off “The Tonight Show“ for a prime time show.
Politicians: Pierre Trudeau “The essential ingredient of politics is timing.”
George McGovern: “You know, sometimes, when they say you’re ahead of your time, it’s just
a polite way of saying you have a real bad sense of timing.”
Business and finance: Suze Orman: “In a tough economy, timing is everything.”
Sports: One baseball player said: “Hitting is timing, Pitching is upsetting timing.”
All summed up by Carl Lewis, the Olympic track and field record holder: “Life is about timing.”
God has a divine timetable for the events of history. Nothing is by accident. The Bible clearly shows us God’s
timing is always perfect. Sometimes well in advance, sometimes at the last moment, sometimes after it seems too late -
death then resurrection. God’s Timing is Everything.
Reintroduction to the Gospel of John
Study the life of Christ and you see timing to perfection. Jesus operated on a Divine timetable. And studying the life
of Christ I desire for us to do again this year. Specifically - The Gospel of John.
Some of you might remember from Nov. 2006 - Dec. 2007 we spent many our Sundays in the Gospel of John = 14 months, 39
messages, 6 chpts.
We took last year off and reviewed doctrine, discipline, and dependence to one another in the series: “Timely
Truths that Transform Us.”
This year, 2009, it is TIME to go back to the Gospel of John.
Briefly: The Introduction - John 1:1, 14-18. The Conclusion: 20:30-31.
The Apostle John wanted his readers to experience eternal life through believing in Jesus Christ.
Theme of John: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, who brings us light, love and life.”
Tonight we will take a refresher course to bring us back up to speed on the greatness and order of this amazing book.
But remember this morning “Timing is Everything.” READ 7:1-10
1. The Wrong Time vs. 1-9
- This chapter begins a period of controversy. Jesus has been a popular teacher, crowds are being
drawn to Him, but now opposition is arising.
- v. 1 The Jewish leaders were becoming hostile of Him to the point of wanting Him dead.
- vs. 2-5 His own flesh and blood brothers really didn’t believe in Him. They were
opportunists and wanted Jesus to capitalize on His fame, and leave the country of Galilee and go to
big city of Jerusalem and so some of His miracles - better advertising. Prove once and for all who
He is.
ILLUS: Leave Colfax and go to Des Moines. New York, Hollywood. “Make a name for
yourself - if you succeed let us in on it. But if you are nobody you will fail there - if
that is the case don’t mention The Family.”
- What better time than an annual feast - Feast of Booths - Annual Harvest Festival? Big Camp
Meeting. A great opportunity to show off.
- All about wrong motives and unbelief - that does not make good timing.
- There are people all over who see Jesus as a fad, gimmick, attraction to use for their benefit.
Don’t really believe in Him personally, but like to drop His name, capitalize on His fame.
ILLUS: 70’s Rock Star Bob Dylan for a while did Jesus songs - “His Jesus
Years.” Who knows what he really believed about Jesus? Artists often do Jesus for a
while. Jesus is popular at Christmas time - then forgotten until maybe Easter, then long
dry spell to Christmas again...
- Please don’t be like Jesus’ brothers - they sort of knew Jesus but didn’t really
believe in Him. Their motives were wrong, timing is always off.
- Examine your motives. Psalm 139:23-24
- Who is Jesus to you? Savior or a Souvenir? An old story in a dusty old book, or a giver of New
Life? Jn 10:10 “I came that they may have life”
2. The Right Time v. 6,8,10
- Jesus lived not to act on a public stage for personal fame. He was on a mission from God. He had
Eternal appointments to keep, a Divine destiny to follow.
- v. 6 “My time is not yet here,” v. 8 “My time has not yet fully come”
2:4 To Mary at wedding: “My hour has not yet come” 7:30; 8:20; 13:1
- Jesus knew about timing, God’s timing. A public parade to show of miracles was not what Jesus
knew God’s will was at this time.
- v. 10 Instead the timing was to be a private, behind scenes entrance to the temple, not to
work miracles, to show off, but to give some hard teachings - next week look at what Jesus taught,
not easy to accept.
- Jesus knows what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. When He works in your life, it is for your
best. Romans 8:28-31
- 2008 is in history books, next week is our annual meeting with reports.
- Was a difficult year. Some of the events were painful, at times questioned God’s will and His
timing. We had troubling politics, tumbling the economy, turbulent family lives, even tensions in
church life.
- Last few months I have felt disconnected a bit here. In a sense my timing is off. You wear me out,
yet I need you to energize me.
- Then 2009 began saying “Good-bye” to a dear church family member - Mac Henderson. Pray
for Mavis and family. Still long Prayer List.
- Yet tonight we begin a weekly youth group program. We have 30 people lined up to take a church
health survey/afternoon or Wed. night. Looking more earnest for another staff pastor. Back in John
preaching.
- AND right now, we need as a church family to come to the Lord’s Table. This is The Right Time
at the beginning of the year to see what is center message of our church - Lord Jesus Christ.
READ: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
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