Page 13 - The Messiah Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

Introduction – Something Unique!

The Appointed Times are one of the greatest sources of theological truth in the
entire Bible—the fountainhead of many branches of theology, especially those relating to the
Messiah. Our reason for writing this book is to demonstrate how the Jewish holy days make
it clear, beyond a shadow of doubt, that Jesus of Nazareth is truly the Messiah. These sacred
events highlight the things that are important to God, so we do not have to rely on the uncertain
wisdom and insights of man in our quest for discerning His truth.
The Lord designed the Appointed Times in a curious way. Through them, He created
mysterious shadows that teach about the things He was going to do, long before they were
actually accomplished. Yet their meanings became obvious only after the events were fulfilled
by His Messiah. Indeed, the Appointed Times are exceedingly special treasures in the Scriptures,
unique in their approach and in the messages they reveal.
It would be legitimate to ask: If the Appointed Times are such a valuable source of
theology, why didn’t they become a significant part of church doctrine? Why didn’t the apostles
emphasize the relationship between these ceremonies of Moses and the Messiah? Why didn’t
the church fathers clarify the correlation for us? Why weren’t the Jewish religious leaders
overwhelmed by the obvious fulfillment and point their nation to Jesus as their Messiah?
If I may be so bold, I believe it has been the Lord’s intention that the Appointed Times
have been muted throughout the ages. Perhaps, in His mysterious, sovereign way, He will make
it obvious to all who will see and one day remove the hardening from those who have refused to
see. Perhaps this will be the generation that will see and recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Theater Israel

1
The Messiah and the Appointed Times were given to Israel , but you should know that
the nation of Israel was not created just for Israelites—it was for the world. The nation of Israel
was brought into existence so everyone could observe and learn about God, about His holiness,
mercy, justice, and love. Israel is a theater filled with dramas and commentary that show that no
one is exempt from God’s justice when His ways are violated, not even His own people—dramas
about His tender mercy, love, forgiveness, and blessing for those who honor Him, and the perils
and darkness for those who do not.

1 Romans 9:4–5