Timing!

John 8:20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

They say that timing is the key to telling a good joke. Timing is also important in dancing and NASCAR racing. I guest that is why I am neither a comedian, nor a dancer. I can’t afford to be a race car driver!

There are so many ‘if only’s’ in life. Hindsight is often clearer than foresight. But even hindsight isn’t perfect. What we really need is a totally different set of eyes looking across time Then we might get a better picture of where we fit in the big picture.

As John tells his account of Jesus life, ministry and purpose, he chooses to include elements that further the storyline he is advance. He doesn’t include many of the events that the other gospels include. He doesn’t see the need to include them. They are already written. John is writing so that we the readers would believe and have life in Jesus’ name.

In our text we see this phrase about Jesus’ time had not yet come. It has been repeated several times in the chapters that surround today’s text. If you have ever missed a bus or a plane flight, you know what mistiming can bring.

But the timing that John is referring to is the timing of Jesus’ capture and execution. Jesus has a mission that must happen before His ultimate sacrifice for us. He must do these other things. Then His time will be right.

When I proposed to my wife, I’m not sure the timing was right. But our marriage has lasted 40 years, so far. Perhaps I should ask her again, and make it be more Hollywood movie perfect. But then my timing would be off by 40+ years. So maybe I won’t ask her again.

Being a public speaker requires a good sense of timing as a speech is delivered. You have to pace different parts of the talk differently, slowing down and speeding up at appropriate moments of emphasis. Really good actors know about this kind of timing.

I remember getting in trouble as a child and my parents saying go to your room and wait. We will come to you when your punishment is decided. Timing! I had to stew on what I had done until their timing was right. And those minutes seemed to drag on forever.

Jesus’ timing of His execution was in the Father’s hands. Jesus chose to submit to the timing of the Father. He was not on His own timetable. And neither are we.

We don’t know the timing of our death. Even if we are terminally ill, the day and hour elude us. Just like everyone else, we know death is coming, but the specific moment is still shrouded in mystery.

So what are the areas in your life where you need to slow down or speed up to be in sync with Jesus’ timing for your life? How about the timing in your relationships? Do they need a tempo adjustment? How about your devotional life, do you need to slow down and pace yourself?