The Catholic Defender: With Catholic Convert Mark Kiser, Be Strong, Be Courageous, Be a Man Series
- Donald Hartley
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
King David charges his son Solomon to build the Temple, saying: “Be strong and steadfast, and go to work; do not fear or be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or abandon you before you have completed all the work for the service of the house of the LORD”. In 1 Chronicles 28:20
"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Appointed time refers to a specific, divine, or prearranged moment set by God to fulfill His promises, purposes, or judgment. These times indicate God's sovereignty over history, seasons, and individual lives (e.g., the birth of Isaac or the return of Jesus).
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word moed refers to a fixed, ordained, or set time, often relating to holy days, festivals, and sacred assemblies.
God determines the exact timing of events, such as the deliverance of Israel from Egypt or the fulfillment of prophecies.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 illustrates that God appoints seasons for everything, including birth and death
"Appointed times" refer to Jesus's first and second comings, as well as final judgment (e.g., Romans 13:11, Revelation 11:18).
It highlights 14 pairs of contrasting experiences, such as "a time to tear down and a time to build up," and "a time to keep and a time to throw away".
Recognizing these seasons allows for living with greater wisdom, acting appropriately to the situation, and reducing anxiety about the future.
.
Comments