RIGHT ON SCHEDULE

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5

Verse 5: “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”

One of the wonders of Holy Scripture is the relief granted therein from attempts to do what we are not intended to do. Verse 5 in today’s reading is a source of such relief. Often one reason that relief is needed is because there is much around us that potentially can cause us confusion about appropriate judgments. This can be true even as we desire to understand the word of God and the mind of the Lord. At times the more we press into these judgments, the greater the confusion becomes. Sometimes the great variety of interpretations and doctrines results in questions and responses that don’t lead to solid resolutions. The counsel of today’s verse can be a source of help regarding some of these dilemmas. It gives us freedom from attempting to reach judgments that it is not yet time to accomplish. It defers these judgments until the Lord comes with His revelation. It can be frustrating and futile to attempt to judge before the time. Conversely, there is peace in waiting for the light, revelation and counsel that the Lord will bring. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What needs to be done while we wait?

2. Is the message of this verse personally helpful to you?