“You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out. before a single day had passed.”  Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

The day before.  The day before Jesus’ death, he knew.  The day before his death was filled with purpose as was his entire life.  He met and spent time with those that he had spent the last three years with, ministering, serving and praying one last time.  He did this knowing that those gathered around this evening’s last supper would abandon him in those horrid hours that would lead to his death on that cross.

“And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.”  John 14:29 (NASB)

Jesus foretold his death at least 3 times in each of the Gospels.  He referenced his death in Mark chapters 8, 9 & 10, as well as Matthew 16 and Luke 9.  He did this for the benefit of those following him, so the surprise and horror of Friday would not be a total shock to his followers.  It was!  We so often hear what we want to hear as opposed to what is said.  Need proof?  Why do we worry?  Why do we pursue fleeting happiness instead of living a life of purpose?  Why are we not committed to ensuring that every person we come in contact with understands that life on earth is but a few years?  That Heaven or Hell are eternal and where we will spend our eternity.  That the value of the person in front of us is so much more than all work and material possessions can ever deliver.  Why do we work 2/3rds of our life in order to spend the final 1/6th of it pursuing gratification in things that don’t satisfy?  I still cannot find the “retirement” chapters or references in the Bible.  I find next.

Were told in Isaiah that King Hezekiah was allowed 15 more years beyond when he thought he was going to die.  I wonder did he start a countdown of those 5,475 days?  We’re told that he lived more slowly and I interpret this that he was present in the day, the hour, the moment that he was in.  We see Hezekiah go from an inwardly focused human to an outwardly expressing man concerned about living a life of faithfulness, desiring to reflect a godly man to the generations that would come after him.

The awareness of a finite amount of days for each of us is a life gift.  I marvel at the impact Jesus’ 32 years on earth set into motion, that continues today.  At age 12 he was in his Father’s house with the elders discussing scripture and seemingly surprised that Mary and Joseph did not know that is where he would be.  He directly says to his disciples “who is my family,” when they mention that his mother and brothers are there to see him.  Jesus teaches us that time is precious and limited.  He teaches us that purpose and sharing the hope of eternity is our greatest assignment.  He teaches us that rest is imperative but not at the cost of righteousness and example.  

This holy day before the World’s greatest injustice, the lesson is clear.  Time matters.  Time is limited.  Purpose is powerful.  Hope reigns eternal.  Our days are limited.  How we choose to live and spend our days is a reflection of our heart.  Self gratification must surrender to lives sharing the only Truth, that is Jesus Christ.

Make today count.  It’s one more off of the calendar that is your life.