Appointed Times

By Peter Crause

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Numbers 20:28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

Every one of Adam’s race have an appointment to keep that cannot be avoided or deferred. Since “all have sinned”; all are destined for death physically. Death is a subject not often spoken of and definitely not meditated on by most. Death is the final “enemy” to be destroyed when Jesus returns – meanwhile the “sting of death” has been removed by Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf. For the child of God, death holds no dread or fear; but is a glorious passage into the very presence of our Lord; for “absent from the body, present with the Lord.” For the saint, death is not a “fearful leap into the dark” as stated by atheist Thomas Hobbes at his death. (For more statements by atheists see: http://evolution-facts.org/Appendix/Sp-Append2.htm )

I stated that we all have an appointment with death. It is something we have little control over – the time and manner. However, for the believer we can rest assured in our Heavenly Father’s control in this matter. For those who harbor fear and dread concerning death, I wish to provide some thoughts to give peace to the troubled heart.

In Hebrews 9:27 we are told that it has been appointed for man to die. 1 Corinthians 15:22 states that in Adam (being human), all will die. Mankind makes all sorts of preparations for retirement and “old-age”, but rarely thinks of preparing to face the inevitable – death. The innate drive to eternal youth and ultimate cheating of death is manifested by the many cosmetic products advertised in the media. However, these all are mere “cover ups” of reality.

As believers, we aver that we all have a calling or path in life that the Lord would have us walk. No one can say they have no purpose in life. We may sometimes not be aware of that purpose or miss some aspects of it, but God’s providence will always place us in situations that are part of our pathway. We need to humbly walk with our God, ever conscious of His guidance and acknowledge Him in all things. When our purpose is fulfilled, then it’s time to “go home”.

Aaron had a ministry to fulfill. He was the first of the line of priests called to minister in the tabernacle and later in the Temple. He wore clothing that was a symbol of his calling. These were all in accordance with the Lord’s instruction to them. He reached the point where his ministry was finished and had to “pass the torch” on to the next generation. Eleazar was to replace him. So Moses stripped Aaron of his vestments; and Aaron died. Not too many die when their clothes are removed. His life’s work was done; the symbol of his office was removed and he went to be with his Lord.

I would encourage all today to take heart and refuse the lies of the enemy. Note the following:

- We all must die sometime, so living in fear of death is pointless.

- We can prepare our hearts and worldly affairs to face the inevitable arrival of the event.

- We should live our lives before God as if it were tomorrow, yet plan our lives and ministry as if it will never happen.

- When our job is done, we will be taken – then and only then. I have often told our enemy when he tried to bring fear and torment; “Till God is finished with me, I’m indestructible!” Our lives are in the Lord’s hands and Satan has no say whatever in the matter – Jesus has the “keys of death and hell” – He is Lord!

- Our departure from this earthly realm is actually our promotion to glory; it is something to look forward to with anticipation and not dread. The Lord is there in “the valley of death”

Keep on serving the Lord. Keep on seeking His will for your life. Keep on finding opportunities He brings in your path to serve our King and expand His Kingdom. Fulfill your “ministry” and wear the “garments of your office” proudly for Him. The day will come to lay down those garments, like Aaron. Do not live in fear and torment. I firmly believe that as we humbly walk with the Lord and daily seek His guidance, that the inevitable event will merely be a continuation of our walk – a step into a new phase of life – for our life is “hid with Christ in God”. We have eternal life now. Physical death is no longer an “issue”; it is not the end, but the beginning of our eternal state – which will be far more glorious than we could ever have imagined.

In conclusion, some words of an old song:

But until then, my heart will go on singing

Until then, with joy I’ll carry on

Until the day, my eyes behold that city

Until the day, God calls me HOME!