Perfect Timing

From the series "The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever" by Dr. Rev. Ross Johnson

"When Disaster Strikes" is the theme this Lent.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:1-7).

We know that God’s timing, even though it is perfect, is nothing like our own sense of time. There is no comparison between our calendar and the Lord’s, of whom the psalmist says, “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:4). Yet however different God’s timing may be, in the face of illness, tragedy and especially death, for us the timing never seems right.

Jesus’ timing was, and is, perfect and arranged always for the glory of God. One day Jesus will return and bring an end to all funeral processions. As He did with Jairus’ daughter and the young man of Nain, the Lord will summon us to rise! We will be raised bodily from graves left as open and empty as Lazarus’ tomb, as open and empty as our Lord’s own tomb. The timing will of course be perfect, and it will not be our timing, but His.

PRAYER

Jesus, Lord of time, when we suffer through long hours of grief or endure swift and painful circumstances, be present with us as You have promised. Lead us to find hope and encouragement in Your Word. Nourish our faith with forgiveness through Your Holy Supper. Comfort us with Your presence when our last hour comes, confident that You will one day call us to arise from our graves to live in your presence Forever. Amen. Come Lord Jesus.