Why is it important to observe God's commands "at the appointed time each year"? Opening Text “So you are to keep this statute at the appointed time year after year.” (Exodus 13:10) Setting the Scene • Israel has just been redeemed from Egypt through the Passover lamb (Exodus 12–13). • God immediately ties their newfound freedom to a yearly pattern of remembrance. • He does not leave timing to personal preference; He sets fixed appointments on His calendar (Leviticus 23:4). Why the Exact Timing Matters • Obedience Honors His Lordship – God decides the schedule; we submit (Deuteronomy 12:32; John 14:15). – Prompt, regular compliance declares Him King, not consultant. • Annual Rhythm Protects Memory – Human hearts drift; yearly repetition anchors the story (Deuteronomy 6:12). – The date itself becomes a living marker that guards against forgetfulness. • Testimony to the Next Generation – Children ask, “Why this night?” (Exodus 12:26–27). – Keeping the feast on cue turns history into a family lesson, passing faith downstream (Psalm 78:5–7). • Covenant Renewal – Each recurrence is a re-signing of the covenant document (Exodus 19:5–8). – The people freshly embrace identity and purpose under God’s covering. • Corporate Unity – All Israel moves in sync; no one chooses a private schedule (Numbers 9:2–3). – Shared timing fosters national solidarity and mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25). • Prophetic Precision – Fixed dates allow God’s redemptive timetable to unfold exactly (Galatians 4:4). – The Messiah died at Passover, rose on Firstfruits, sent the Spirit at Pentecost—each feast fulfilled on the day appointed (1 Corinthians 5:7–8; Acts 2:1). • Assurance of Blessing and Protection – Faithful observance linked to safety and provision (Exodus 12:13; 34:24). – Obedience opens the door for favor; neglect invites loss (Malachi 3:10). Living the Principle Today • Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7). We now keep the feast by living in sincerity and truth, gathering for communion “as often” yet with ordered reverence (Luke 22:19). • God still values appointments—weekly worship (Acts 20:7), baptism upon belief (Acts 2:38), and future prophetic milestones (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). • Marking God’s times cultivates disciplined hearts that listen, remember, and expect all He has promised. Takeaway Observing God’s commands at His appointed time transforms obedience into a rhythm of worship, memory, unity, and prophetic hope, keeping His people aligned with His unfolding plan year after year. |
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