Timing in the Bible

The concept of timing is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's sovereign control over history and human affairs. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse underscores the belief that God has ordained specific times for every event and action, both in the natural world and in human life. The Bible often illustrates how divine timing is crucial for the fulfillment of God's purposes.

In the Old Testament, the account of Joseph exemplifies the importance of timing. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph's rise to power in Egypt was orchestrated by God to save his family during a severe famine (Genesis 45:5-8). Similarly, the Exodus narrative highlights God's perfect timing in delivering the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 12:40-41 : "Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt."

In the New Testament, the timing of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection is portrayed as divinely appointed. Galatians 4:4 declares, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." Jesus' ministry began at the right time, as indicated in Mark 1:15 : "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" The timing of these events is seen as integral to God's redemptive plan.

Tradition in the Bible

Tradition holds a significant place in biblical teaching, serving as a means of preserving and transmitting faith and practice across generations. In the Old Testament, God established traditions through laws, festivals, and rituals to remind the Israelites of His covenant and mighty acts. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs the Israelites to diligently teach God's commandments to their children, ensuring that His laws and deeds are remembered and observed.

The Passover, as described in Exodus 12, is a prime example of a tradition instituted by God. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and power. Similarly, the Sabbath is a tradition that underscores rest and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11.

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles engage with Jewish traditions, sometimes affirming and other times challenging them. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for elevating human traditions above God's commandments, as seen in Mark 7:8 : "You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men." However, He also participates in traditional Jewish practices, such as attending synagogue and celebrating Passover.

The early church developed its own traditions, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Paul emphasizes the importance of adhering to apostolic tradition in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 : "Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter." These traditions include the observance of the Lord's Supper, baptism, and communal worship.

Interplay of Timing and Tradition

The interplay of timing and tradition is evident throughout Scripture, as God's appointed times often coincide with established traditions. The fulfillment of prophecy, the observance of feasts, and the unfolding of redemptive history all demonstrate how divine timing and human tradition work together to reveal God's purposes. The Passover, for instance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Lamb of God, during the Passover festival.

In summary, the Bible presents timing and tradition as integral components of God's interaction with humanity. Through them, believers are called to recognize God's sovereignty, remember His deeds, and faithfully transmit His truth across generations.