Tis the Season

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; (3) A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; (KJV)  

Did you know that as there are seasons in the outward realm, there are seasons in the spiritual realm also? In the spring a crop is planted, and later in the fall it is harvested, plucked up and put to use. When God chastens His people it can be grievous; like with chemotherapy it is a time to kill off old cancerous areas in our walk, so that it can bring forth healing to an area that is dying and would continue to spread if not dealt with. The fact that God created the heaven and earth, and set the outward seasons as He saw fit, would it not be fitting to let Him handle the spiritual seasons as well, and deal with His people the way He sees fit? Do you know what others have need of more than God? Are you able to see the way He sees, not just the outward but the inward motives of the heart? Too many people have become judge, jury, and executioner. Judging matters and making determinations on others, based on how they think people should live rather than letting the Creator make the determination.  

1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (13) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV)  

If you were going to determine an apostle based on a job resume, then the example above would probably be the last person you would choose to be a part of your church or any organization. God knew that this person had a zeal for Him, but it was not based on His knowledge, and thus was described as being done ignorantly in unbelief. All sin is a result of unbelief, so at an appointed time, in an appointed place, God chose to deal with this individual and make the correction in a loving way so that he could be used of God. If left up to man, this person would have been the last one chosen, which ended up being the first one God chose. When you go back and read the above verses, you will find that this person is Paul the apostle.  

Acts 17:29-30 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (30) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (KJV)  

Times in verse 30 means season; and when it says ‘God winked’ it means He chose not to punish, or attend to it at this particular time. But there does come a time, a season when He no longer overlooks the situation with us, but will deal with us as individuals, where we are at personally in our walk, and make the correction in a loving, and sometimes grievous manner to our flesh, so that afterwards it can yield peaceable fruit in us. Being that God is longsuffering toward us, should we not be the same way in return to others, and not pass our own judgments onto them?  

Matthew 18:23-27 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. (24) And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. (25) But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. (26) The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. (27) Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. (KJV)  

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. We all as different members of the body of Christ have strong and weak points in our lives; which means all of us need to be dealt with individually, in a loving compassionate way. So just like in a hospital, not all patients are given the same diagnosis, but rather are given what is needed at the time for whatever the ailment is. The same holds true in the spiritual realm.  

Matthew 18:28-31 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. (29) And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. (30) And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. (31) So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. (KJV)  

How did the Lord deal with you? How is He working with you today, and how are you working with others? Remember you were saved by grace through faith, and not of works. So why do many judge so harshly, forgetting what manner of man they were, and the compassion it took to allow them access into Father’s kingdom? How many people have been entrapped and falsely imprisoned, because they didn’t live up to manmade doctrines and judgments, which instead of setting them free put them in bondage? When did you decide it was time to carry out judgment; rather than showing the same compassion that was shown you, you decided it was open season and went on a self righteous hunting trip? You know what they say about paybacks don’t you?  

Matthew 18:32-35 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: (33) Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? (34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. (35) So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (KJV)  

When you take the law into your own hands, you have a fool for a sheriff, and you now become open season for the wrath of God, and His righteous judgment.

Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (KJV)

It’s just not fair, they got more than I did, or they can do whatever they want to and get away with it. Often time’s children think and speak this way, and make rash judgments based on emotions and not the Spirit. Are you willing to let the Lord take over and have His way and make judgments in your life, knowing what is best for you and your situation at this time, right now? The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, so get back to work so that you can be outstanding in His field when He returns. Tis the season.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.