Not My Time

Now the Feast of Booths, was near. Therefore His brothers said to Jesus, "Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. “For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.”

For not even His brothers were believing in Him. So Jesus said to them, “My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune. “The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil. “Go up to the feast yourselves; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come.” Having said these things to them, He stayed in Galilee...

But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach.The Jews then were astonished, saying, “How has this man become learned, having never been educated?” So Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. “He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (John 7:2-18)

There have been many people throughout history who have sought attention, but Jesus was not one of them. Celebrities of all kinds thrive on attention, they live to be in the spotlight. Whenever there's a big event they always dress up and ride in style. Some women wear outlandish gowns and the single guys usually have some sexy girl hanging on their arm. Other people are not that much different. There are some women who think the more skin they reveal the more attention they will get. And men have their own ploys too, often acting like "big shots" or "big spenders." Some don't even mind making fools of themselves to get attention. Whatever the situation is, it seems that everyone wants or likes to get attention and/or recognition of some kind. No one likes the feeling of being ignored. Even the so called 'geeks and nerds,' or the shy and bashful ones still want some attention.

We all desire that attention or recognitions, it's a part of the human nature, and there nothing really wrong with that. For example, a child at play desire the attention of their parent, and as adults we're not that much different—whether it's from our spouse or our friends, or even God. How we do it is another matter, and that we keep it in proper perspective. In the Bible, Jesus' life set the example for all of us to follow.

Such was the situation in the story above—Jesus is talking with His natural brothers. They didn't believe in Him at the time and so they tested Jesus, by telling Him to show Himself off to the world. After all He had these powers and abilities, so let everyone see how great you are. I don't believe they questioned His ability, but then maybe they personally hadn't seen any of His miracles. However, I'm sure they questioned His authority at the time. 

We too have been tested and tempted throughout our life, to go and show ourselves off. Let people see your God-given talents, giftings or abilities. Make a little more or a lot more money while you can. Build a bigger reputation or following. The world see nothing wrong with a little glory right now and making a name for youself. However, I've learned it's not the way of God. He is the one who will exalts His sons and daughters in His time and way.

When we take on the nature of Christ, everything things changes (friends, family, actions and responsibilities). We will find our true recognition and identity in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,  by waiting and trusting Him for His timing. Then we will be clothed by The Heavenly Father, and people will be drawn to us. They will see something different about in our life and want it too. They will come for prayer, healing, salvation, restoration, counseling and blessings. God's anointing on our life will meet those needs, because of our faith in Him. However, this usually doesn't happen overnight and often takes many years of preparation. But it will happen as we continue to trust and lean on God.

The tendency of our flesh nature is to want the recognition and success, even the "glory,"—find the quickest way to achieve it now. Satan offered it to Jesus before His ministry began, in the wilderness, but it was a counterfeit glory. Jesus knew it and basically told satan, "It is written,—not my time." Yet, many naive people, including Christians have taken up satan's (the angel of light) offer, believing it was God's will and time. Only to have future heart aches and disastrous outcomes. However, Jesus knew what He had to do in order to obtain His glory from the Father.

God's glory is achieved in a different way from what men want or expect. Most are not willing to pay the price required to obtain it. Yet many will strive for it. Some don't even want to try. Yet, a few don't even seem to have much of a choice, such as the apostle Paul. But regardless of our calling, God's glory come in his time and through the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

The Lord desires for us all get to know Him better and dwell with Him in the Holy of Holies. To get there requires enduring hardship and constant abiding in His presence. We will never want to leave it, nor desire to go back to the outer, or the inner court of the temple. Where we once came from, with all kinds of distractions and desires for things and attention of other relationships, or focused on the sinfulness of mankind, or desire our ego to be stroked. Many even wanted to escape from it all.

When we make Jesus Christ our focus, and seek the glory of the Father, it won't be long before He shares His mantle with us. God's spotlight will shine from heaven on those who honor Him. They will be recognized, awarded and honored, because He loves them and they were faithful. The Heavenly Father did it for Jesus, and He will do it for us, in His time and in His way.


The Heavenly Father delights in sharing His glory with His sons and daughters.