God's Provision At The Appointed Time

... And Samuel said, "Here is what has been reserved! Set it before you and eat, because it has been kept for you until the appointed time.... (1 Samuel 9:24)

Saul was astonished to find himself sitting in the place of honor at a banquet, receiving from the prophet Samuel the choice portion of meat. Of the least family of smallest tribe, the idea of being king was inconceivable. In but a moment, however--the moment of the "appointed time"--God changed his life forever.

Scripture describes many significant "appointed times." Appointed to a position of authority, Esther (Esther 4:14) "attained royalty for such a time as this." Appointed to judgment, Pharaoh had been raised up to demonstrate God's power (Romans 9:17). As "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," Jesus had an appointment at the cross.

In reviewing some old journals, I see numerous recurring themes--needs and prayers that continue to surface over and over again. And with the approach of each new year, I wonder if some "appointed time" of fulfillment might finally be at hand.

Saul felt he was assuming an unwarranted place of honor at the feast. But to Samuel, it was the appointed time to choose a king. Thus the special appointed times of our lives have been set by God to remind us of His broader purposes, not only in this life, but also in the life to come.

Though we tend to focus on such circumstances, God looks at plans He formed long ago. We judge by outward appearances, but God's eye is on the heart. We seek speedy resolutions to our difficulties, but God is more interested that we learn patient endurance.

With the vision of imperishable crowns before him, Paul ran the race of life as if to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). Why? He was acutely aware that despite personal trials and triumphs, God's calendar is punctuated with even greater "appointed times." While circumscribing our physical lives, they should also exert considerable influence on how we spend them.

The time of our death is appointed (Hebrews 9:27). The day and hour of Christ's return--and the resurrection of the dead--is set (Matthew 24:35). Each of us has an appointment before the judgment seat of Christ to provide a full accounting of how we have lived (Hebrews 5:10).

Whether we're exalted or humbled by the appointed times that may occasionally meander through our lives, they are reminders of those momentous appointments to come. We should thus live circumspectly--and prepare for them.

Copyright 2000 James McAlister

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