“If not now, when? If not us, who? If not this, what?”
The phrase, “If not now, when? If not us, who? If not this, what?” has been attributed to Rabbi Hillel, a prominent Jewish scholar and teacher who lived during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He is one of the most respected figures in Jewish history and is often associated with wise sayings and ethical teachings.
The phrase serves as a powerful call to action and personal responsibility. It urges us to seize the opportunities before us, recognizing that the present moment is the time for action. It challenges us to step up and take responsibility for positively impacting the world. If not us, who will do it? If not now, when will it be done? If not this, what else will we do to make a difference?
God’s Presence is Present
How can we experience the fullness of God’s presence in our lives, here right now? We often hear about God’s healing, salvation, power, and peace, but it is essential to recognize that His presence is not confined to the past or the future; it is present tense. It is now!
The secret to living by His grace is to discern the opportune time where He is working now. Jesus himself emphasized this truth when He declared, “Now this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21). However, the devil will constantly try to lure us away with empty future promises, making us discontent with the present moment and causing us to miss out on the opportunities of God’s grace.
When God commands something, He also provides the grace and power to do it!
Discerning the ‘Kairos’ Time
We must resist the temptation to live in the regrets of the past or anxieties about the future, but instead, be fully present in the moment and experience the depth of God’s love and provision in the now.
Living by God’s grace requires discerning the opportune time, the “Kairos” moments, when God is actively at work. We can easily get caught up in the busyness of life or distracted by worries about what lies ahead. However, God calls us to be attentive to His leading and to seize the divine opportunities He places before us.
It is in these “Kairos” moments that God’s power and glory are most evident.
The Devil’s Future Lies
The enemy will try to lure us away from God’s presence and the opportunities of His grace by enticing us with empty future promises. He seeks to make us discontent with our current circumstances or with those around us, causing us to miss out on the blessings that God has for us in the present. We must be vigilant and recognize the devil’s deceitful tactics, choosing instead to remain rooted in the truth and goodness of God’s presence now.
Jesus’ Example
Jesus exemplified living in the present throughout His earthly ministry, fully embracing the now. He healed the sick, delivered the oppressed, and ministered to the brokenhearted, all with an awareness of God’s presence in the present moment. The Father guided His words and actions, and He always acted in perfect harmony with the “Kairos time” appointed by God.
Present with People: Jesus was always fully present with those around Him. Whether He was teaching crowds, healing the sick, or spending time with His disciples, Jesus focused on the people before Him, showing them love, compassion, and understanding (Matthew 9:35-36).
Seizing Teachable Moments: Jesus used everyday events and encounters to teach profound spiritual truths. He often used parables and stories based on the immediate surroundings to convey timeless messages about God’s Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-9, Luke 15:1-7).
Jesus frequently seized opportunities to heal the sick, cast out demons, and perform miracles that displayed the power of God’s Kingdom in the present moment. He did not postpone acts of compassion but responded with love and mercy (Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:17-26).
Some Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” This verse emphasizes the importance of taking action in the present, rather than being paralyzed by uncertainty or waiting for the perfect conditions. Acting now is vital for reaping the rewards of our efforts.
Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” This verse warns us against presuming upon the future and encourages us to focus on the present. We should not procrastinate or delay doing what is right and necessary now.
James 4:13-15 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'” This passage reminds us of the uncertainty of the future and encourages us to humbly submit to God’s will and act on His prompting in the present.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” This verse highlights the urgency of responding to God’s call and receiving His grace now. The grace of heaven is available in the present moment, and we must not delay in accepting it.
Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This verse teaches us not to be preoccupied with the future or anxious about what lies ahead. Instead, we should focus on living faithfully in the present, trusting God to take care of the future.
Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse reminds us of the preciousness of each day and encourages us to embrace the present moment with gratitude and joy.
1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” This verse encourages us to bring our worries and concerns to God in the present, trusting Him to take care of us and our future.
Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” This verse warns against the danger of delaying obedience to God’s call. When God speaks, we should respond promptly and wholeheartedly.
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This verse reminds us of the importance of persevering in doing good in the present, even when we might not see immediate results.
Remember, the devil may attempt to distract us from the present with empty promises of a better future, but God’s grace and blessings are available to us in the now. Let us not be deceived by the enemy’s illusions but rather embrace the power of now, living faithfully and joyfully in God’s presence each day.
The Latin phrase “carpe diem” originates from a poem written by the Roman poet Horace, who lived from 65 BCE to 8 BCE. The phrase can be found in his work “Odes” (Book 1, Ode 11), which was published in 23 BCE.
In the poem, Horace encourages his friend Leuconoë to embrace the present moment and not worry about the uncertainties of the future. The full line in Latin reads: “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” which can be translated as “seize the day, putting as little trust as possible in the future.”
‘Carpe Diem’ – seize the moment
The idea behind “carpe diem” is to live life to the fullest, making the most of the present opportunities and enjoying the moment without excessive concern for what might come in the days ahead. It encourages people to value and appreciate the here and now, understanding that life is fleeting and time should not be squandered.
Over the centuries, “carpe diem” has become a popular and enduring phrase, inspiring countless individuals to live with a sense of urgency, passion, and appreciation for the present. It has been embraced by various writers, philosophers, and artists, becoming a timeless concept in literature, art, and popular culture. Today, “carpe diem” remains a powerful reminder to seize the opportunities life presents and to cherish the moments we have in front of us.
The Spiritual Law: Natural First, then Spiritual
However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. (1 Cor 15:46). The spiritual law of “First in the natural, then in the spiritual” is a powerful key to unlocking the supernatural in our lives. When we receive a vision or direction from God, we must take the first step in the natural realm, even when it seems impossible or challenging.
This is exemplified in Jesus’ encounter with the man with the withered hand. The man obeyed Jesus’ command to stretch out his hand, and the supernatural healing manifested (Luke 6:6-10).
Let us not allow fear, doubt, or procrastination to hinder us from experiencing God’s miracles in the present.
“This is That” Principle
One of the primary means of operation in apostolic ministry is the ability to “earth” spiritual ideals and promises in the reality of now. On the day of Pentecost, when Peter stood up, he took an ancient prophecy and localized it to the present. “this is what was spoken by the prophet …” (Acts 2:14)
So Jesus stood up in the Synagogue to read Isa 61:1-2 and then He said; “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)
The “I am” Principle
The power of now is deeply connected to knowing who we are in Christ. Jesus often declared, “I am…” asserting His identity as the Son of God (John 10:31-39; Luke 22:70). Even John the Baptist knew his purpose and confidently stated, “I am the voice…” (John 1:23). Like Paul, who started every letter by explaining who he was, we too must know our identity in Christ and be ready to act on the “Kairos” time that God reveals to us.
Let us not wait for something to happen; rather, let us seize every opportunity to glorify God in the present. Instead of waiting for something to happen we read and discern the “Kairos” time available to us now. We are ready to act on it and use every opportunity that He provides to His glory. The Glory has come and is raised in our hearts – Jesus Christ!
In conclusion.
Living by the power of now is not to be a Jack in a Box. When someone “presses our buttons”, we tend to leap into action.
It is more a lifestyle of contemplation, awareness, and anticipation to see God acting, and then we move with Him.
