Do you remember the song by the Byrds called, “Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)”? Did you know that most of the lyrics to that song can be found in scripture? I was absolutely ecstatic when I found that out years ago.
Truly, there is a time for everything.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The Bible was taken out of schools. Prayer was taken out of schools. Manger scenes are complained about. The Ten Commandments are complained about. Happy Holidays has replaced Merry Christmas in some merchant shops. Religious celebrations have turned commercial. I have yet received another business type phone call on God’s day.
Do you realize how many times in history man has tried to kill God?
Think about it. When Jesus was born, King Herod was troubled at his birth. Then Jesus was nailed to a cross and crucified. In April 1966, Time magazine had a cover that asked, “Is God Dead?” Atheists try to get one up on everybody by simply claiming God does not exist.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Galatians 6:7-8
There is indeed, “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Where in history do you think we are? Perhaps we have kept silent too long. Perhaps, it’s not too late.
LIFE APPLICATION
We watch our children as they grow. Sometimes we watch them make the same mistake over and over and over again. We may wonder how long before they finally get it.
I have to wonder what God thinks of us as He sees mankind attempt to kill Him again and again. I guess He knows we still don’t get it. Nevertheless, He won’t be mocked.
Today’s challenge is to ask God for the wisdom to know when and how to speak up. You can make a difference where you are standing. You can let God use you to influence others – even one person at a time.