His Appointed Time

 

He said: ¨Go into the city and to So-and-so and say to him, The Teacher says, ´My appointed time is near; I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your home.´¨  Matthew 26:18 (Reference Bible)

There is so much to consider here in just one text.  That Jesus could be working on so many different levels to instruct us is sufficient cause for wonder and awe.  For example, the fact that He knew beforehand of people and places which would be available, receptive and adequate for supplying the demand of the moment.  This alone gives a worshipper a chance to look upward in awe and bow his or her heart to the wisdom and power of God.

Another point which may bring endearing help is that the Savior calls Himself ¨The Teacher.¨  We could all think back upon our school years and remember the influence certain teachers have had on our lives.  This name, ¨The Teacher,¨ is beautiful, poetic and serves to tie us together with our Lord.

Then one more thing which brings a warm thought is to think of the man to whom Jesus sent this word.  ¨We will celebrate in your home.¨ Imagine being the receiver of such news.  The Son of God on earth is coming to your house to celebrate and spend His time there where you live.  For sure this was surprising news to that family, but we could claim the same promise today if we choose to seek His presence.

However the thought which seems to float over others here in this text could be the attention Jesus brings towards ¨His time.¨ We know the Lord was referring to the fact that He was about to be handed over to be slain on the cross for the sins of all mankind, but at the same time He shows us the fact that God has a plan and is carrying out His will for us.

There is an Entity who, out of His wisdom, power and love, has designed a people who could enter into a personal relationship with Him.  He is so great and wise that all the things we can perceive had their origin in Him and are controlled and sustained by Him.  Everything, from the smallest microscopic element to the fathomless size and space of the heavens, are in His hands and bow to Him as their Father and their God.  Yet He has cared enough about you and me, to teach us of His existence and the love He has for each of us.

But this is not all, this all-powerful God runs His creation with acute precision.  His timing is also perfect and all things are carried out at their correct time. The death of Jesus and every other thing that has ever occurred, has happened at the exact moment in time which the Almighty God has said that it should.  Not one thing has ever slipped His mind or happened outside of His control.  So when it looks like things are getting out of hand, it helps to edge a little closer to His side.

Dear Teacher, we would like to draw a little closer today.  We have heard You say that Your time is near and like good students, we would like to hear Your instruction.  You have hinted the fact that there is a timing and planning which has been approved by the Father.  We sit in awe and wonder after the person and the workings of our God and we would like to be close to You during the revealing of these things.  Teach us, lead us and show us what You have for us in every given moment.

In Your name we pray,

Amen