An Opportune Time
By Lois J. Stucky
The Lord Jesus was only a few days away from the cruel crucifixion at Calvary when "a woman" broke an alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on the head of the Lord. He graciously received her gift as an anointing for His burial. Surely it was the Holy Spirit who gently nudged the woman at this opportune time to express her devotion to her beloved Lord. He approved her before those who criticized her gift as wasteful. "She hath done a good work on Me…She hath done what she could," Jesus said, letting her know He understood and cherished her costly gift and the pure, deep love of her heart (see Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-8), stating that her act would be included in the Gospel story. Doubtlessly other passionate hearts have been encouraged by it to do what was in their hearts though others might reprove their deeds as excessive and unwise.
In contrast to this woman’s lavish display of devotion, think of Judas who also sought a "convenient" time, an opportune time, to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10-11). Having accomplished his shameful deed, he went out into perdition (John 17:12).
In the Garden of Gethsemane just hours before Christ would endure the agony of the cross, when His "soul was exceeding sorrowful unto death" and He needed the support of the disciples, they had an opportune time to bear Him and themselves up in prayer. "Watch ye and pray," the Lord Jesus implored them as He went a little farther and fell on His face in great heaviness. But they slept through their hour of opportunity. And before long, they "all forsook Him, and fled" (see Mark 14:32-41, 50).
Our Opportune Time
How we need to beware lest we sleep away our time of opportunity! So unexpectedly we have moments of opportunity daily that can count for the Lord or be forever lost. And on a far larger scale, we are living in an hour of remarkable opportunity for world evangelization! Although iniquity and oppression are alarmingly increasing to hinder the advance of the heavenly kingdom, still modern technology has opened remarkable new ways for the spread of the Gospel. This is significant in that Jesus said, "…this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14). If we are eager for Christ’s coming, we will be zealous to see the saints made "ready" and for the Gospel to be witnessed "unto all nations." This is an hour to be fully awake and alert to find and do God’s will! Prayer is an essential starting point.
And as high priority, let us pray one for the other that we will seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit and seriously endeavor to walk in the Holy Spirit continuously. God has so lovingly prepared this walk for us, providing what we need to share fully with Him in the work of His kingdom wherever He calls us to serve, in the home or far afield. Let us seek His fullness that we not fail Him nor ourselves by being lulled to sleep by the world, the flesh or the devil!
Please pray also for Herald of His Coming. Your prayers and your monetary gifts as the Lord leads and enables, help to keep an outflow of the printed Gospel to both believers and non-believers. "Thank you!" to all now standing with Herald of His Coming. Serving together we are able to go afar with the blessed Gospel.