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Remember the appointed time

Rev. Enoch Thompson | September 6, 2023 | Matthew 26:17-19

KEY VERSE:

He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" Matthew 26:18 (NIV)


MESSAGE:

Appointed times for specific events are fixed by individuals and groups in order to coordinate events and achieve specified aims and objectives in the most beneficial way. Personal as well as group appointed times must be kept by all involved for the best results to be attained. The Lord Jesus Christ came into human form as a man, for the sole purpose of laying down His life for the salvation of lost human souls. From His conception, through His birth and all through His ministry, the enemy had wanted to destroy Him, all to no avail. This was because there was a predetermined time at which His death, His sinless effective sacrifice of His life would be achieved.


The Lord Jesus was acutely conscious of His mission and of the timing, and He worked closely to ensure that all things were done according to the eternal plan and timing of the Godhead. In answering the question of the disciples as to where they were to prepare the Passover meal for Him and His team, the Lord Jesus referred to His consciousness of His soon death:

He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" Matthew 26:18 (NIV).


The reflection today is on how conscious we are, or are not, about the appointed time of our departure from this world. Common culture shies away from death and death-related discussions, but the Bible makes it abundantly clear that we have an appointment and an appointed time with death “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, . . . Hebrews 9:27 (NIV).


Whereas the Lord Jesus was aware of the time and the circumstances of His death, we on the other hand are not aware. Consistently the Lord spoke about His approaching death, and in our text today He indicates a knowledge of the closeness of the time and situates His eating the Passover meal in the context of that appointed time. While we may not have knowledge of the exact dates, times, and circumstances of our exit from this life, it is a useful spiritual exercise to keep in mind the fact that we have an appointment with God in death, and to situate the everyday life events of work and play in the context of that appointment which has been fixed by God.


FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Does the death of people around you seem sudden and an intrusion? Do you have any names of friends and loved ones who have come within their appointed time? What lessons do you learn from the death of people that were with you one moment, and were gone the next moment?

Are we learning any lessons or are we wasting the alerts that the Lord gives us about the times of our appointment to exit this life? Let's face up to the fact of the appointed time and dress up in faith and holiness.


PRAYER:

Dear Lord of life, I have come to you for life eternal and life abundant, and I am grateful for the privilege of the gift of eternal life in Christ. Thank you for the appointment to exit this life at a time you have pre-determined. Please give me the faith that believes in life everlasting, and produces the courage to contemplate, to appreciate and to anticipate the time appointed for me. May faith rise high in your Church as we grapple with the losses of dear ones who have responded to the higher appointment. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! ____________________________ DAILY word study: APPOINTED TIME The phrase "appointed time" is translated from the Greek words "ὥρα μου ἐγγύς ἐστιν" (hōra mou engys estin).

"ὥρα" (hōra): This Greek noun primarily means "hour" or "time." It can also signify a specific season or moment.

"μου" (mou): This is a possessive pronoun, which means "my."

"ἐγγύς" (engys): This Greek adjective means "near" or "close by."

ἐστιν" (estin): This is the Greek verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating existence or presence.


The phrase "appointed time" highlights the precision and divine planning inherent in Jesus' ministry and the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. It signifies that Jesus' life, mission, and the fulfilment of God's plan for salvation are unfolding according to a predetermined schedule.


This passage encourages us to reflect on God's sovereign timing in our own lives. Just as Jesus' ministry had a set and significant timeline, our lives are also guided by God's timing. Sometimes, we may become impatient or anxious about the pace of events in our lives, but recognizing that there is an "appointed time" for various aspects of our journey can bring comfort and trust in God's plan.


Reflections:

How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing in your own life? What steps can you take to align your goals and aspirations with His divine plan, recognizing that there is a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)?



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The Baptist Daily Devotional is a collection of God-inspired messages that will help you grow in your faith and walk with Christ. Each day, you will find a scripture passage, a reflection, a prayer and a challenge to apply God's word to your life. The devotional is written by pastors and leaders of the Ghana Baptist Convention, who share their insights and experiences from serving God in various contexts and ministries. For example, you will learn how to trust God in times of trouble, how to share the gospel with others, how to pray effectively, how to deal with temptation, how to handle conflict and more. Whether you are a new believer or a mature Christian, the Baptist Daily Devotional will inspire you, encourage you and equip you to live for God's glory.
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