Definition:
Divine appointments refer to the orchestrated events or meetings in a believer's life that are arranged by God for a specific purpose. These moments are often seen as opportunities for spiritual growth, ministry, or the fulfillment of God's will.

Biblical Basis:
The concept of divine appointments is woven throughout Scripture, where God intervenes in the lives of individuals to accomplish His purposes. These appointments are often unexpected and can lead to significant spiritual or life changes.

Examples in Scripture:

1. Abraham and Melchizedek:
In Genesis 14:18-20, Abraham encounters Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This meeting is significant as Melchizedek blesses Abraham and receives a tithe from him, foreshadowing the priesthood of Christ. This divine appointment underscores God's sovereign plan in establishing a covenant with Abraham.

2. Moses and the Burning Bush:
In Exodus 3:1-4, Moses encounters God through the burning bush. This divine appointment marks the beginning of Moses' mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God reveals His name, "I AM WHO I AM," and commissions Moses for a pivotal role in salvation history.

3. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch:
Acts 8:26-40 describes how an angel of the Lord directs Philip to meet an Ethiopian eunuch on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. This encounter leads to the eunuch's conversion and baptism, illustrating how God orchestrates meetings for the spread of the Gospel.

4. Paul on the Road to Damascus:
In Acts 9:3-6, Saul (later Paul) experiences a divine appointment when Jesus appears to him on the road to Damascus. This encounter transforms Saul from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle, highlighting God's power to redirect lives for His purposes.

Theological Significance:
Divine appointments emphasize God's sovereignty and providence. They remind believers that God is actively involved in the world and in individual lives. These moments often serve as turning points, leading to deeper faith, new ministry opportunities, or the fulfillment of God's promises.

Practical Implications for Believers:
Believers are encouraged to remain open and attentive to divine appointments in their own lives. This involves being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, being prepared to act in faith, and recognizing that seemingly ordinary encounters may have extraordinary significance in God's plan.

Related Concepts:

· Providence: The doctrine that God is continually involved with all created things, guiding them to fulfill His purposes.
· Sovereignty of God: The belief that God is supreme and exercises control over all creation, orchestrating events according to His will.
· Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The role of the Holy Spirit in leading and directing believers in their daily lives and decisions.

Scriptural Encouragement:
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and purpose, as expressed in Proverbs 16:9 : "A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse reassures Christians that while they may make plans, it is ultimately God who guides their paths through divine appointments.