From Passover to Pentecost: when the hours met

During his lifetime there were several attempts to arrest or kill Jesus of Nazareth. They all failed and the Bible's verdict is a very simple one 'his hour had not yet come'. He had an appointment with a cross and nothing could frustrate that plan. As the day of his appointment came closer he was sought out by 'some Greeks'. It was at this moment that Christ heard the whirring of the gears; the hour was about to strike.

But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. John 12:23 NKJV.

He knew what that hour would involve.

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24 NKJV.

His appointment was with death and he was under no illusion as to how deep that valley would be.

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. John 12:27 NKJV.

He is committed to keeping his appointment with the hour and heaven breathes its 'amen'.

Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” John 12:28 NKJV.

We move to Gethsemene where he will face this choice again and again and again and each time he will make the same choice, saying,

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 NKJV.

When the cohort came to arrest him Christ made an illuminating comment.

When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22:53 NKJV.

Whose hour is this? Is it Christ's hour or is it the final hour of human rebellion against the will of God? It is both. The hours will synchronise on a hill outside a city wall. Eternal love's "Yes" will meet mankind's resolute 'No' and the victory shout will echo into eternity;

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 NKJV.

It's done yes it's done.

It's done, yes it's done.

Through the precious blood of Jesus

the battle is won...

Sunday morning will prove it!