When the Appointed Times Call… Will We Answer?

 

There are rhythms woven into creation—patterns that mark time, seasons, growth, and renewal. In Scripture, we are given more than the turning of days. We are given appointed times—set-apart gatherings established by Yahuah Himself. These are not simply holidays or traditions of men. They are His appointments with His people.

 

“These are the appointed times of יהוה, set-apart gatherings which you are to proclaim at their appointed times.”

—Leviticus 23:2–4 (TS2009)

 

And the question becomes:

When He sets the time… will we show up?

 

Why the Appointed Times Matter

 

The appointed times are not random—they are purposeful.

They remind us:

• What was — the mighty works Yahuah has already done(Exodus 12:14; Deuteronomy 5:15)
• What is — how He is working in us now(Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 13:5)
• What is to come — the fulfillment still ahead(Colossians 2:16–17; Hebrews 10:1)

They are described as a shadow of what is to come—not empty, but meaningful. But shadows don’t only point forward… They also reveal shape. And sometimes, what they reveal in us is uncomfortable.

 

“Search me, O El, and know my heart…” —Psalm 139:23–24

 

Because when we slow down… we begin to see where we’ve drifted.

 

An Invitation to Draw Near

These times create space for what everyday life often crowds out:

• Dedicated time with Him (Psalm 27:4; James 4:8)
• Time with His people (Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:42)
• Moments of reflection (Lamentations 3:40)
• Opportunities to realign (Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 12:2)

But drawing near requires something from us.

It requires intention.

It requires attention.

It requires a response.

And sometimes… it requires us to interrupt our normal life.

 

Entering the Season: Passover & Unleavened Bread

As the year begins, we step into one of the most powerful appointed times:

Passover (Pesach)

(Exodus 12:1–14; Leviticus 23:5; Luke 22:14–20)

Unleavened Bread (ULB)

(Exodus 12:15–20; Leviticus 23:6–8; 1 Corinthians 5:6–8)

Together, they form a doorway into the year. A beginning marked by:

• Remembrance
• Cleansing
• Renewed direction

 

Passover: What Have You Been Delivered From… Really?

Passover calls us to remember deliverance.

• Rescue from bondage (Exodus 13:3; Deuteronomy 6:21)
• The cost of redemption (1 Peter 1:18–19; Isaiah 53:5)
• The faithfulness of Yahuah to save (Psalm 107:2)

But this is not just history. It is personal. We must ask:

Where has He brought me out?

What has He delivered me from?

(Psalm 40:1–3; Colossians 1:13)

And maybe the harder question:

What still has a hold on me?

 

Unleavened Bread: The Quiet Things That Spread

Leaven works quietly.

Slowly.

Subtly.

Almost unnoticed.

 

“A little leaven leavens all the lump.” —1 Corinthians 5:6

 

During this time, we search—not just our homes—but our hearts.

• What is weakening my obedience? (Hebrews 12:1)
• What have I allowed to remain? (1 John 1:7–9)
• Where have I compromised? (Song of Solomon 2:15)

Because we can remove leaven from our homes

…and still leave it untouched within.

Removing leaven is not about perfection. It is about pursuit. (1 Peter 1:15–16; 2 Timothy 2:19)

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A Time to Redirect the Year

There is a reason this comes at the beginning of the year.

This is a time to:

• Redirect focus (Colossians 3:1–2)
• Recommit your walk (Romans 12:1–2)
• Realign your path (Proverbs 16:3)

We often set goals. But this season asks something deeper:

Are you aligned… or just busy?

“Seek first the reign of Elohim…” —Matthew 6:33

This is not just about resolutions. It is about renewed dedication.

We Are Not Meant to Walk Alone

These are appointed gatherings.

Times to be with:

• Family
• Friends
• The Body

(Deuteronomy 16:11, 14; Acts 2:44–47)

There is strength in coming together. We are reminded:

We are not alone.

We are not the only ones being refined.

We are walking this out together.

(Ephesians 4:15–16)

 

Looking Forward With Expectation

Each appointed time carries meaning:

• Past
• Present
• Future

As we enter this season, we do so expecting:

• Growth (2 Peter 3:18)
• Refinement (Malachi 3:2–3)
• Understanding (Psalm 119:130)

These are not just days to observe.

They are invitations:

• To remember
• To return (Isaiah 55:6–7)
• To prepare (Matthew 24:44)

And to draw near to Yahuah (James 4:8).

 

Today Is the Day

The year has begun. The appointed time has come.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”

—Hebrews 3:15

 

“See, now is a well-accepted time… now is the day of deliverance.”

—2 Corinthians 6:2

 

We are not promised tomorrow (James 4:14).

 

So if something needs to be laid down—

do it now.

 

If something needs to be restored—

begin now.

 

If you hear His voice—

answer now.

 

Do not let this be routine. Let it be a turning point.

A time of remembrance.

A time of cleansing.

A time of renewed obedience.

 

Today is the day.