Matthew 16: Publicity & Timing

Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

Matthew 16:20 (NKJV)

During the three-year ministry of Christ, He performed miracles, signs, and wonders. Often, He told His fans to be silent: NOT to spread His acts or Identity.

Why? Because God is the Master of timing. He’s the Maestro of the perfect moment. He’s the Inventor of the great reveal.

Shouldn't 'The Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End' (Revelation 22:13),

'Who is and Who was and Who is to come' (Revelation 1:8), 'The Author and Finisher of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2), Who makes 'Known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come' (Isaiah 46:10)...

Understand the art of publicity? The perfect roll-out of major stories?

Speaking for myself, I'm prone to blurting:

  • To spill the beans before they're edible,

  • To open the wine before it’s well-aged,

  • To share a story precipitously…

  • As in BEFORE the stage is fully set, or the audience properly prepared!

On the other hand, professional actors know how to wait! THE Rock Star is an unmatched Performer.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

  • When you're sharing the space in waiting rooms,

  • When you're sitting backstage on a film set,

  • When you're shopping, schooling, or working out,

  • When you open your front door and “go forth,”

You're on stage as ambassadors for Christ as THE King’s messengers and publicists.

Therein, learn how to read your audience: their concerns, expressions, and interests. At the same time, listen for God's timing. Yes, you do have glorious news to share, but knowing when to share it… is vital.*

Matthew 16: Publicity & Timing (Part 17)

* 'Religion is brought into contempt, and its professors insulted, when it is forced upon those who cannot value it and will not have it' (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary). http://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/7-6.htm

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban