General Convention floor session in the Immanuel College field house
People often state that timing is everything. Whether making a large purchase or sale, hunting or fishing, or working with the weather, this is often true. Sometimes our timing seems to be right on, everything synchronized. At other times, nothing seems to work out the way we have things planned. “The timing just wasn’t right.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have the insight to know just what to do at just the right time? How incredible that would be!
In a very real sense, we have been given such insight by our loving Father. And the timing we have been given is for things far more important than earthly purchases or prizes!
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV) When is the right time to present someone with the Gospel message? What is a good time for confronting someone caught up in a sin? How long should we wait to bring comfort to an anguished soul?
This passage will form the theme of the upcoming biennial convention of the Church of the Lutheran Confession. Essays and devotions will be presented on this and other spiritually beneficial topics.
Now is the time to hear about mission work. During convention, delegates will have opportunities to hear reports on the mission work being done in both foreign and domestic fields. These reports don’t just offer facts and figures, they also reveal the true work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Word. When a “golden” opportunity presents itself and we’re relaxed and prepared, that’s a good time for presenting God’s Word to others. However, even when we are nervous or unsure, that is also the time to share His message of sin and grace. The Lord does not hinge the preaching of His Word on our preparedness or lack thereof. Rather, it is always the right time to present His Word. That may not always sit well with us or make us comfortable, but we can rest assured it is God’s will and He will undergird our feeble attempts at speaking the truth that has set us free.
Now is the time to hear about building opportunities. In conventions past, the delegates have directed the synod to proceed with a building project on our Immanuel campus, beginning with a gymnasium. Delegates will again hear of facts and figures, but must not miss seeing the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of our members as witnessed by the offerings received.
Our Father promises that if we are ever persecuted and brought before the authorities to be questioned about our faith, He already has it covered! “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12 NKJV) And again, “You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony . . . for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.” (Luke 21:12-15 NKJV)
Now might be the time for you to gather with fellow believers around God’s Word and to join in the work He has set before us as a synod. If you are unable to join the convention in body, join in spirit, praying the Lord to send His Holy Spirit to direct our deliberations and decisions.
If the Lord has so provided for our ability to speak His Word in times of trouble and strife, how much more should we be ready and able to do so in times of relative peace as we enjoy now?
In season or out of season, let us faithfully speak His Word!
is a retired teacher. He lives in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.