Divine Appointment

In the Christian faith, the concept of a "divine appointment" refers to the belief that God orchestrates specific events, meetings, or circumstances in a person's life for a particular purpose. These appointments are seen as part of God's sovereign plan and are often recognized in hindsight as pivotal moments that align with His will.

The Bible provides numerous examples of divine appointments. One notable instance is the meeting between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to go to a specific road where he encountered the eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. This meeting led to the eunuch's conversion and baptism, illustrating how God arranges encounters to fulfill His purposes.

Another example is the account of Esther, who was placed in a position of influence as queen "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Her role in saving the Jewish people from destruction highlights how God positions individuals strategically to accomplish His plans.

Divine appointments often involve guidance from the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 16:6-10, where Paul and his companions were directed away from certain regions and led to Macedonia. This redirection resulted in the spread of the Gospel in Europe, demonstrating how divine appointments can have far-reaching impacts.

Service

Service in the Christian context is the act of serving God and others, reflecting the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, rooted in love, humility, and obedience to God's commands.

Jesus Himself exemplified the heart of service, as seen in Mark 10:45 : "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." His life and ministry were marked by acts of compassion, healing, and teaching, culminating in the ultimate service of His sacrificial death on the cross.

Believers are called to emulate Christ's example of service. In John 13:14-15 , after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus instructs them, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of humility underscores the importance of serving others selflessly.

The Apostle Paul frequently emphasized service in his epistles. In Romans 12:1 , he urges believers to offer their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," which is their "spiritual service of worship." This call to service is not limited to specific acts but encompasses a lifestyle of devotion and obedience to God.

Service is also expressed through the use of spiritual gifts, as outlined in 1 Peter 4:10 : "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to edify the church and advance God's kingdom.

In summary, divine appointments and service are integral to the Christian life, reflecting God's sovereignty and the believer's response to His call. Through divine appointments, God orchestrates events for His purposes, while service is the believer's active participation in God's work, following the example set by Jesus Christ.