Okay, timing is everything . . . it’s a truth we’ve all learned at one time or another. But in Ecclesiastes the illustration used to convey it isn’t as “on the surface.” Here it is:
If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.*
What?
Snake charming as common-place sidewalk sideshows aren’t common place on any sidewalks I walk. But where they are, I’m sure the performance is as mesmerizing to behold as one would hope the snake is mesmerized too. If not, if the timing is somehow off, BANG!
Or rather, “FANG!”
Talk about occupational hazards. What a way to wreck a day!
As we’ve seen before in Ecclesiastes, there’s a proper procedure and time for everything (8:6). Time itself is one of the great Ecclesiastical themes. There are seasons for everything. There are stages of life. There are times for one response and times for its opposite. But here timing has to do with the split second nature of things. So small . . . yet can be the difference between life and death.
Or even in common parlance.
We know about timing in our everyday discourse, or should. There’s a certain protocol, culturally understood, that proscribes what will be effective and what will not. For example, if a salesperson asks for the order before s/he lays the groundwork, there will be no profit for the charmer. Literally.
How about anger vented before one’s heard the whole story? Not charming!
Or a joke told during a serious moment? Gauche!
In fact, all humor and any good story telling depends on timing. And in a speech, the pauses can mean as much as the words.
More: All learning has to do with timing. There’s a “readiness” required. And “charming” generally works better than coercion.
But back to our metaphor. Some snakes cannot be charmed, or will not. Then the timing issue is different . . . like when to change your tune, or make your exit, or dispatch the threat before it dispatches you.
Always know what time it is. It makes all the difference.
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*Ecclesiastes 10:11
PS As mentioned, we’ve been away in Baja California. Beautiful and highly productive for art-making. Will likely report on it in the next e-gallery, early November. Meantime, we’re back on rhythm for Blank Slate, next one coming Monday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:34 am
So, if we’re God’s image-bearers, trying to get the timing thing right, then He must be the master of timing. If so, shouldn’t we be more trusting of God’s timetable for things, especially with regard to our seasons of difficulty? The churched public these days seems so demanding at times, especially with the way folks pray regarding financial breakthrough, physical healing, etc. It’s the “Right now, Lord” line that bothers me at times. True, there are promises in Scripture to hold on to, but the taking hold of things and commanding events to go such and such a way is, to me, an oxymoron. If God is the “Blessed controller of all things” should we not trust him for outcome, even in adversity? I say let God charm us vs. our jumping out with the bite, and let “endurance have its perfect work” in our trials.
10:44 am
Good to remember as I go out fundraising!
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio
11:34 am
Glad you are back! We are now on “Island time!” A lesson in letting go of timetables, schedules, and “must do’s!” Great for enjoying the beauty of God’s creation!
1:13 pm
Ever had one of those moments when you read something and it was like God tapped you on the head and said, “Hello?” Ya…I just had one of those moments. Lord have mercy, my timing stinks!
1:40 pm
Thanks, Norm- I need to be charmed by God’s timing, and hangeth in there, as the Bible says. Endurance…not a charming thought, but I like the results. Good comments, everyone – welcome back, brother. Always charming to me.