Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (1 Corinthians 15:8)
What did the Apostle Paul mean by the statement, “Born out of Due Time”, in his letter to the Corinthians? Paul was addressing several areas of concern amongst the Corinthians believers. He was also emphasising the importance of spiritual gifts and how it can strengthen and edify the body of Christ.
“Born out of Due Time” signifies a meaning that goes beyond Paul’s day. This means we should not see this letter as merely a historical account but a blueprint that can be applied to the church of our day. As we shall see, the Bible is filled with examples where familiar Biblical accounts can come alive in practical ways.
The Bible is a Living Word! We will seek to place some Biblical stories into a modern-day context. The intent here is to cultivate a greater hunger and appreciation for the Living Word of God.
From Babel to Babylon
And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4)
A man by the name of Nimrod sought to gather a people together and establish a New World Order in defiance to God. This is exactly what the future antichrist will seek to do as he gathers a people together in defiance against Jesus Christ. At the time of the 2nd Coming, the Lord will destroy the Babylonian system (Revelation 17-19).
The Three Friends of Daniel
Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, hat at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; (Daniel 3:4-5)
Think of the herald as the modern-day media. At a certain time, everyone in the kingdom had to comply and bow down to the image. Let’s consider a future event that will take place in the last days.
He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:15)
Perhaps we can say that the Three Friends of Daniel were men born out of due time. The challenge they faced is the same challenge for the end-time church. How did they respond to this forced compliance?
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)
We may know the account but take time and try and place yourself into their shoes. Would you be able to resist bowing down at the potential cost of your life? Personally, I feel it will take the stature of these Three Friends of Daniel in being able to resist taking the mark of the beast.
Esther
For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Have you ever thought about the Lord allowing you to live in this pivotal moment of church history? There are clear parallels that can be applied from the Restoration period of history that included Esther, Nehemiah, Ezra and others. Esther had to come to an awareness of what was about to happen to the Jews by Mordecai, her cousin. Total annihilation was determined by Haman against the people of God. Esther, in her role as queen, was the only one who could make an appeal to the king. Like the Three Friends of Daniel, this appeal could cost Esther her life. How did she respond?
Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16)
Once again, we know the story but how would you have you responded? People like Mordecai and Esther were people “Born out of Due Time”. Their experience is not limited to the Restoration era but serves as a blueprint for our day.
The good news is that God turned the destruction that was determined against the Jews to be upon Haman and the enemies of God. This is what will happen at the time of the 2nd Coming.
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided. (Esther 7:10)
May we come to appreciate the power and wonder of God’s Word. The stories we know are intended to be learned and applied to situations in our daily life.
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Acts 16:14
Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
Tuesday: Psalm 105:19
Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him.
Wednesday: Genesis 14:18
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.
Thursday: James 5:17
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
Friday: John 12:3
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Saturday: Joel 2:28
“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.
Sunday: 1 Kings 13:2
Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, and said, “O altar, altar! Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’ ”
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
