What significance does "My appointed time is near" hold for believers today? Setting the Scene “ ‘The Teacher says, “My appointed time is near; I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.” ’ ” (Matthew 26:18) On the eve of His arrest, Jesus quietly announces that everything the prophets foretold is about to unfold—right on schedule. Understanding “My Appointed Time” •“Appointed” translates a word for a fixed, divinely determined moment. •Jesus is speaking of the cross, resurrection, and all the redemptive events clustered around Passover. •The phrase ties directly to God’s sovereign calendar: “For everything there is an appointed time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Linking the Phrase to God’s Sovereign Timetable •God set the hour of Christ’s sacrifice “before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:19-20). •“In the fullness of time, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). •Just as the first coming was timed perfectly, the second coming is equally certain: “He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). Implications for Believers Today Urgency of Obedience •If Jesus moved with purpose because the hour had come, we should move with purpose because our opportunities are limited: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Assurance of God’s Control •History is not random; every promise, every prophecy is on schedule. •When life feels chaotic, remember the cross was timed to the minute—so is every detail of your redemption (Romans 8:28). Participation in the New Covenant •Jesus kept the Passover to inaugurate the Lord’s Supper, inviting us into a living memorial (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). •Each time we partake, we proclaim that the decisive hour has already happened—and that another appointed hour is coming. Call to Watchfulness •“Behold, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:12). •The certainty of God’s timetable fuels holy living: “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be…?” (2 Peter 3:11-12). Living in Light of the Appointed Time •Start the day acknowledging God’s ownership of your schedule. •Steward relationships and resources as though Christ could return before nightfall. •Take courage—every promise you cling to is already on God’s calendar. Key Takeaways •“My appointed time is near” proves God’s absolute sovereignty over history. •It injects urgency into daily obedience and mission. •It anchors hope, showing that both the cross and Christ’s return are fixed realities. |
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