Timing is Everything

In 1965 the music crowd was charmed by a single released by The Byrds entitled “Turn, Turn, Turn.” It reached number 1 on the U.S. billboard. Written by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s, the song reached its full potential much later. Many folks were in awe of the lyrics and found them consistent with the organic hippie philosophy that had transcended the culture. Many people did not realize the words were of biblical origin rising out of the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes, making them slightly older than pop culture thought. Most scholars believe that King Solomon, known for his great wisdom, penned these words reminding folks that time is fleeting and seasons come and go, and with them, opportunity comes and goes as well. Though the words of Solomon “To everything, there is a season” has an undertone of “Carpe Diem” (seize the day) coined by Horace in 23 B.C., the meaning of the phrase conveys a far deeper message than making the most of seizing the moment and giving very little thought to the future. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life and time lived by our Creator’s design demand stewardship and trust. To make the most of every season of opportunity is to pursue God’s purpose and plan, recognizing He alone holds the future. This was foundational in Nehemiah’s belief system as he continued to participate in God’s reconstruction plan.

Last time we saw where Nehemiah prayed, asking God for one specific response to grant him favor with King Xerxes, whom he served as cupbearer. In Nehemiah 2, the account records that one day, while serving the king his wine, he was pretty sad, which the king took note of. This display of emotion prompted the king to ask why Nehemiah was sad. I like that the scriptures give us a detailed account of their conversation…

2;2b “I was very much afraid, but I said to the king,: May the king live forever! But why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire? The king said to me, “What is it that you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let the king send me to the city where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” 

The conversation between the monarch and the servant continues and the scriptures tell us that the trip’s logistics begin to take shape. Nehemiah, while he has an audience with the king, also takes the opportunity to ask for passport papers to assure safe travel and letters of credit so that he may obtain the resources of timber to supply the construction job. The latter part of verse 8 reminds us despite this amazing fearful encounter, Nehemiah states this:

 “… And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.”

Neh 2:8

Nehemiah gives God credit first and foremost for the season of opportunity testifying it is the only reason he found favor with the king. He doesn’t make it about the fact that he was a loyal government worker, was on track for the gold watch, and due to his faithful service, he was entitled to a favor blah, blah blah. He prayed for the favor, and God answered. It’s essential to recognize that even though this exciting fearful opportunity presented itself in a moment while on the job, Nehemiah took time to pray a second time before he answered the king’s question. He stayed in step with God along the way. 

At no time in Nehemiah’s approach to the reconstruction project of the wall did he ever attempt to be an independent contractor. Rather than approach this project with a carpe diem spirit, Nehemiah took on more of the spirit of what Paul told us in Ephesians:16 when he instructed us to “redeem the time.” To redeem something is to take it and exchange it for something more valuable. Nehemiah took his season of opportunity and influence with the king and redeemed it. He used what God had provided for him to advance the cause of the Lord God, not his own personal agenda. He could have used it like the words from Ecclesiastes to “gather up” for himself. Yet, Nehemiah viewed it as a time to ” cast off” personal comfort and prestige and seek the purpose of God and his plan to restore Jerusalem and His people who had been in exile. Because he honored God, he not only walked away with credit and travel documents, he was granted freedom to pursue the personal will of God in his own life and achieve personal fulfillment.

In this reconstruction phase, the takeaway is to be reminded as a child of God that I am not self-made. Though I have worked hard and found favor in my employment and ministry, it is only as Nehemiah states, because the gracious hand of my God was and is on me. If all I did (and have done at times) is carpe diem, seize the moment, plucking personal gain out of every opportunity to bring happiness and fulfillment, I miss out and have missed out on God’s blessing. When I think everything is Turn, Turn, Turn, and opportunity cyclically comes and goes like the seasons, I fool myself. Sometimes a moment passes and never comes again, and with it, the joy that comes from obedience is lost. Does God forgive me? Of course, He does! Is He sad that I refused an opportunity to partner with HIm and experience greater fellowship and witness His amazing power? Of course, He is! 

Timing is everything. If you don’t believe me ask Esther who, if she had not spoken up when she did, would have witnessed the mass death of her Jewish race. Ask David about the day of opportunity in the valley of Allah against the giant. Ask Saul, who failed to seize a military moment and lost a crucial battle for the nation. Over and over again in the bible are accounts of God’s redeeming work and its intersection with the days and times of folks He called. Ever think what might have happened if a few fishermen might have said, “Not today, the fish are biting, but tomorrow looks good.” when Jesus passed by?

It is easy for us followers to read this account as historical background and not apply it to daily life as we do other more poignant scriptures. Especially where opportunity and influence are concerned. I laugh when I think that a modern-day Nehemiah who was living in this time might be tempted to start a go fund me for the wall project. It is of good conviction to be reminded I serve God, who wants to use me as a channel for His influence in the world, not mine. And He has all the resources already figured out when I am still thinking, “Should I or shouldn’t I?”

Christ is after true followers that have nothing to do with Facebook or Instagram, only that in any platform I can speak, I speak on His behalf and defend and promote His cause worldwide. You know, sharing His love to the up and in as much as the down and out. It came to me as I have worked through this series; though I am not part of rebuilding a wall or restoring a city, in 2022, I have been placed in this world and am part of the reconstruction project led by the gospel. I have the good news of Christ and His redeeming power to help others rebuild lives, marriages, futures, and relationships. Not only am I a construction worker, but I have also been assigned the visionary role of celebrating the finished work of salvation and encourage others to see where all who trust Christ are headed. 

As The tune of The Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn” plays in my head, today, God help me be mindful that to everything, there is a season under heaven, and Lord, they all belong to you. Where there is an opportunity, let me seize it; where there is influence, let me use it. Whether at work or play, night or day, let me be found looking for your handiwork in the world around me. If I don’t, Lord, reconstruct me until all I see and long for is your finished work in me, as I keep my eyes toward the best you have for me.

Please come back next time when the 5 o’clock worker gets a glimpse of “The Survey” in the vineyard as the series from Nehemiah continues in “Under Reconstruction.”