At Just the Right Time
April 16, 2020
Most of us were not prepared for the turmoil of the Covid-19 season. But that doesn’t surprise me. Living for today and for the next planned activity describes the majority of us. Besides how can the average person really plan for a worldwide pandemic?
But I’ve noticed something fascinating. The people most able to adapt to this crisis adopted a different perspective. Early on they began to see potential good news and oportunities everywhere even in the midst of constant change and uncertainty.
Like the two mothers I saw in our neighborhood helping their children learn to ride a bike for the first time. With a “stay-at-home” order in place in MD, there was now margin in their family schedule for them to run alongside their children until they were off on their own, achieving a new milestone and making a new memory.
What a beautiful picture of how God breaks into our lives at the most unexpected times and in ways that can change individuals for the better.
“The time has come,” Jesus said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15) Unlike “chronos,” the word used for chronological time, “kairos” means “a moment in time,” or an “appointed time.” At just the right time, Jesus announces his kingdom has come near.
So near that Jesus invites Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John to interrupt their livelihood as fishermen and follow him. Leaving their nets behind, they agree to go into the unknown with Jesus. (Mark 1:16-20)
But first they made a stop in Capernaum where Peter lived. Sandwiched between Jesus teaching in the synagogue and healing many in that town, Jesus allowed time to heal Peter’s mother-in-law of her fever. (Mark 1:21-33)
I love how the Bible tells us that Jesus met the need of one woman in a town full of many who were sick. It makes me wonder if this global pandemic has allowed an opportune time for God to break in for one person at a time.
Like the man dying alone in a hospital unable to have his wife by his side or the single woman isolated in her house without any other companion who looks up for the first time for help. For God sees the nurse afraid of bringing home the virus to her loved ones and the pregnant mother-to-be anxious about what kind of delivery to expect for her newborn.
At the same time that God loves the whole world, we learn that he also sees and knows the needs of each person who inhabits it. That’s good news for every one of us in our unique situations. The King of a better kingdom has come near for us like he did for his first followers.
Read and meditate on these Scriptures
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – emphasis mine).
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:8-9)
“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (II Cor. 6:2)
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
Answer these questions
What immediate needs would you like to bring to Jesus that seem small compared to what is happening with a neighbor or someone suffering around the world?
Can you see ways that God is breaking into your life or someone else’s during this time?
What concerns do you have about the timing for this unexpected season?
Can you see any ways God prepared you in advance for this interruption to your schedule? If not, what is helping you now to adjust?
Prayer
Lord, thank you, for your kingdom that has come for us now and is yet to come when Jesus returns. It gives me comfort to know you haven’t left us alone when we need you most. Thank you for seeing my concerns and hearing my anxious thoughts. I pray especially for those who feel isolated and alone that they would know “you are near to all those who call upon you.” Amen. (Psalm 145:18)
Next Steps
1. Add to your Memory Stones the words or Scriptures that best describe the “kairos moments” God is giving you.
2. Write a card to send to someone who needs the reminder that God sees and hears them in their unique situation.
3. Pray for God to show you new opportunities where you can partner with Him in loving or serving someone.
Feel free to make a comment about this mini-retreat and any steps you’ve taken. You’re also welcome to join us on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. for our Zoom discussion. Fill out the contact form and I will send you the link and password.
