God's Prophetic Calendar: Fulfillment and Future Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures: The Road to Emmaus

The risen Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening their eyes to the truth that all of Scripture—Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms—pointed to Him as the Messiah who would suffer, die, and enter into His glory. He revealed that the Old Testament was not just history or ritual, but a living testimony to God’s plan of salvation, fulfilled perfectly in Christ. As we journey with Him, He desires to open our minds and hearts to see Him in every page, to recognize that He is the center of God’s redemptive story, and to let our hearts burn within us as He speaks through His Word. [22:12]

Luke 24:13-27 (ESV)
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to invite Jesus to walk alongside you and open your eyes to see Him more clearly in the Scriptures?

Day 2: The Appointed Times: God’s Feasts Reveal His Plan

God established the sun, moon, and stars not only for marking days and years, but as signs and for “appointed times”—the feasts of the Lord—which are divine appointments revealing His plan to redeem, empower, and return for His people. These feasts are not just ancient rituals, but prophetic dress rehearsals fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost) and pointing ahead to His return (Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles). Each appointed time is an invitation to remember, celebrate, and align our lives with God’s eternal purposes, recognizing that He is sovereign over history and our lives. [24:22]

Genesis 1:14 (ESV)
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.”

Reflection: How might you intentionally mark time in your life to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness and His appointed purposes for you?

Day 3: The Passover Lamb and the New Covenant

Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood was shed for our deliverance from sin and death, fulfilling the ancient exodus and establishing a new covenant written on our hearts. On the very day the Passover lambs were slain, Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem, His body broken and His blood poured out to bring us salvation. In the Lord’s Supper, He instituted the new covenant, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy that God would write His law on our hearts. Every time we take communion, we remember that our salvation is not by ritual or obligation, but by faith in the finished work of Christ, who fulfilled every promise and invites us into intimate fellowship with Him. [33:16]

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (ESV)
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Reflection: As you take communion this week, how can you freshly remember and receive the reality that Jesus’ sacrifice has written God’s love and law on your heart?

Day 4: The Outpouring of the Spirit: Pentecost and Preparation

Fifty days after the resurrection, on the Feast of Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit to indwell and empower His people, fulfilling the promise that His law would be written on our hearts and preparing us for the harvest and the return of the King. Just as the fire descended on Sinai, so the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, equipping them with gifts and boldness to proclaim the gospel to all nations. This same Spirit prepares us, fills us, and gives us access to the heavenly places in Christ, calling us to live as His witnesses and to be ready for His coming. [42:38]

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need the Holy Spirit’s power and preparation to be a bold witness for Jesus today?

Day 5: Living Ready: The Bride Awaits the Bridegroom

God’s appointed times point us to the ultimate fulfillment: the return of Jesus, the Bridegroom, who will gather His people for the great wedding supper and reign as King over all. The Feast of Trumpets reminds us to be watchful, for we do not know the day or hour of His coming. The Day of Atonement and Tabernacles point to the restoration of Israel and the gathering of all nations in God’s presence. We are called to be a prepared bride, keeping our lamps burning, living in holiness, and longing for His return. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”—may we be found ready, hearts ablaze with love and faith, awaiting the consummation of all things in Him. [58:44]

Revelation 19:6-9 (ESV)
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

Reflection: What practical step can you take today to prepare your heart and life as a ready bride for Jesus’ return?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we journeyed together along the road to Emmaus, imagining ourselves as those first disciples, hearts burning as Jesus revealed himself through the Scriptures. We explored how the risen Lord, on the very day of his resurrection, opened the eyes of his followers not by introducing something new, but by showing how all of Scripture—Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms—pointed to him. The feasts of the Lord, those appointed times established from creation, are not merely ancient rituals or “Jewish holidays,” but God’s prophetic calendar, revealing his plan for redemption, empowerment, and ultimate restoration.

The spring feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost—were fulfilled in the first coming of Jesus. He is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood delivers us from death; the Unleavened Bread, whose sinless body was broken for us; the Firstfruits, who rose from the dead as the guarantee of our resurrection; and at Pentecost, he poured out the Holy Spirit, writing God’s law on our hearts and empowering us for the harvest. These were not random events, but fulfillments of God’s appointed times, down to the very day.

Yet, there remain three fall feasts—Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles—awaiting their ultimate fulfillment. The Feast of Trumpets points to the return of the King, a day and hour unknown, when the trumpet will sound and the Bridegroom will come for his bride. The Day of Atonement foreshadows a coming day when Israel will recognize her Messiah, and the world will witness a great harvest as Jew and Gentile are united in faith. The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, looks ahead to the wedding supper of the Lamb, when God will dwell with his people forever, and all things will be restored.

We are invited not to legalistic observance, but to a deeper understanding and anticipation of God’s unfolding plan. The appointed times remind us of who God is, what he has done, and what he will do. As we await the return of our King, we are called to be ready, to let the Spirit prepare us, and to live as those who know the story we are part of—a story that began in creation and will culminate in the eternal reign of Jesus, our Messiah.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures in Detail The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are not isolated events but the fulfillment of God’s prophetic calendar, established from creation. Every feast, every appointed time, and every symbol in the Old Testament points to him. Recognizing this deepens our faith and gives us confidence that God’s promises are sure and his timing is perfect. [29:33]
2. The Appointed Times Reveal God’s Redemptive Plan The feasts of the Lord are not just historical observances but living signposts of God’s plan to redeem, empower, and restore his people. The spring feasts have been fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming, while the fall feasts point to his return and the final restoration of all things. Understanding these rhythms helps us live with expectancy and hope, anchored in God’s faithfulness. [26:42]
3. The Holy Spirit Prepares Us for the King’s Return Pentecost was not only the giving of the Spirit but the writing of God’s law on our hearts, equipping us to live as his people in the world. The Spirit’s work is not just about personal transformation but about preparing a bride ready for the Bridegroom. Our readiness is not measured by religious activity but by intimacy with Jesus and a life aligned with his purposes. [44:44]
4. God’s Restoration Involves Both Israel and the Church The prophetic timeline includes the regathering and spiritual awakening of Israel, alongside the fullness of the nations coming to faith. The unity of Jew and Gentile in Messiah is central to God’s plan, and the coming fulfillment of the Day of Atonement and Tabernacles will see a global harvest and the consummation of God’s promises. We are called to provoke Israel to jealousy by the reality of our relationship with God and to long for the day when all God’s people are one. [52:45]
5. Living Ready: The Call to Watchfulness and Hope The feasts remind us that history is moving toward a divinely appointed climax. We are not to be passive or distracted, but to live as those who are making themselves ready for the return of the King. This readiness is marked by faith, intimacy, and a willingness to lay down everything for Jesus, trusting that he who fulfilled every promise before will fulfill the rest in his perfect time.

** [58:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:29] - Setting the Scene: The Road to Emmaus
[21:04] - Jesus Reveals Himself in the Scriptures
[23:31] - The Feasts of the Lord: God’s Appointed Times
[24:22] - Creation, Signs, and Seasons
[26:42] - Spring Feasts Fulfilled in Jesus
[28:02] - The Seven Appointed Times: Dress Rehearsals
[29:33] - Passover and the Lamb of God
[33:16] - The New Covenant and Unleavened Bread
[35:40] - Firstfruits: Resurrection and New Life
[38:27] - Pentecost: The Spirit and the Harvest
[43:56] - Jesus’ Ascension and the Gifts of the Spirit
[46:40] - The Four-Month Harvest and the Great Commission
[47:37] - The Fall Feasts: Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles
[50:58] - Israel’s Restoration and Prophetic Fulfillment
[52:45] - Grafted In: Jew and Gentile United
[55:43] - The Coming Day of Atonement
[57:03] - Tabernacles: The Wedding Supper and God’s Dwelling
[58:44] - Living Ready for the King’s Return
[76:14] - Invitation to Deeper Study
[78:04] - Priestly Blessing and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 24:13-35 (ESV) – The Road to Emmaus —
> That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself...

Observation Questions

What did Jesus do for the two disciples as they walked to Emmaus, and how did it affect them? (Luke 24:27, [22:12])
According to the sermon, what are the “appointed times” or feasts, and how many are there? ([28:02])
How did Jesus fulfill the spring feasts in detail, according to the sermon? ([29:33])
What is unique about the Feast of Trumpets compared to the other feasts? ([47:37])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus by explaining the Scriptures, rather than by simply showing them who he was? ([22:12])
The sermon says the feasts are not just “Jewish holidays” but God’s prophetic calendar. How does this change the way Christians might view the Old Testament and its rituals? ([28:02])
The Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, fulfilling an appointed time. What does it mean that the Spirit “writes God’s law on our hearts” and prepares us for Jesus’ return? ([44:44])
The sermon describes a future fulfillment of the fall feasts, involving both Israel and the Church. What might it look like for Jew and Gentile to be united in Messiah? ([52:45])

Application Questions

The disciples’ hearts “burned within them” as Jesus opened the Scriptures. When was the last time you felt deeply moved or awakened by God’s Word? What was different about that experience? ([22:12])
The sermon challenges us to see the feasts as reminders of God’s faithfulness and plan. Is there a spiritual rhythm or practice you could adopt to help you remember what God has done and what He promises to do? ([28:02])
Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts exactly, down to the day. How does knowing God’s attention to detail in fulfilling His promises affect your trust in Him for things you are waiting for now? ([29:33])
The Holy Spirit equips us not just for personal growth, but to be ready for Jesus’ return. In what area of your life do you sense the Spirit prompting you to “get ready” or align more closely with God’s purposes? ([44:44])
The sermon says our readiness is not about religious activity, but intimacy with Jesus. What does intimacy with Jesus look like for you right now? Are there distractions or habits that keep you from that closeness? ([44:44])
The unity of Jew and Gentile is central to God’s plan. Are there people or groups you find it hard to see as part of God’s family? How might God be inviting you to pray for or reach out to them? ([52:45])
The feasts point to a coming day when God will dwell with His people forever. How does this hope shape the way you live today, especially in times of uncertainty or waiting? ([58:44])

Sermon Clips

The Holy Spirit comes to indwell us, to prepare us for His return. We sing about that again this morning as well. Was Jesus there? Is the high priest giving access to the heavenly realms, destroying the works of the enemy, taking back the keys from hell. He ascended and made a way, and His blood sprinkled the heavenlies so that we all have legal access. According to the law, we have legal access now by the Spirit to be seated with Him and to find our identity in Him. [00:45:29] (35 seconds) #SpiritGrantsAccess

You see, God's in the purpose right now to restore all things to Himself. And so why am I here this morning teaching about what seems like old Jewish, Old Testament stuff? Because it's all spoken about Jesus. It's how He revealed Himself to His disciples. He said, that was me. On that day, that was me. I'm the fulfillment of Psalm 22. I'm the fulfillment of Sinai. I'm the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb. I'm the fulfillment of the tabernacle. I am your God. [00:50:05] (33 seconds) #JesusIsTheFulfillment

If he fulfilled these things exactly before, what makes us not think he's going to keep his word and do the same before he returns? He says, to him have ears, let him hear. So my encouragement for us today is to realize that Israel, according to Jesus, he came in before the crucifixion. He came into Jerusalem. He wept. Oh, Jerusalem, how I long to gather you. The mother hen gathers her chicks, but you would not have me. You missed your day of visitation. [00:52:02] (31 seconds) #MissedDayOfVisitation

There's a fulfillment coming, an actual fulfillment. Just as Jesus satisfied the fulfillment of the Passover lamb of the Exodus, there is a coming day of atonement for the nation Israel. As the scripture and the prophets say, they will look on the one they pierced and mourn for him as an only son. [00:55:08] (18 seconds) #AtonementAndMourning

You want to know the greatest harvest that's coming? You wait until the ancient of Israel appointed by God and the church rise together as one. That's what we're talking about in the fulfillment of Sukkot. Sukkot. And I'll close with Sukkot. The feast of tabernacles. How many remember Jesus said, I will not drink this cup again with you till I drink it anew in the kingdom. He's talking about a wedding supper. A wedding supper of believing Israel and believing nations as one new man. The purpose of his plan for salvation from the very beginning. [00:57:11] (38 seconds) #HarvestOfBelievers

There's going to be a wedding supper. There's going to be a coronation of a king. A king who will come and take his reign. Who will be king and lord over all. The bridegroom of the ages. This day. This word tabernacle. And I'll close with this. This word tabernacle or Sukkot means booths. It means tents. What we found it was in the Old Testament. During this time in celebration they would put tents up and the center of the camp would be the presence of God. The temple of God. They would follow him by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. And those booths and those tents had holes in the roof. Why? So that they could see when the pillar was moving they would get up and they would move. And what does the fulfillment during this season, what does scripture say? It says, look up for your redemption draws nigh. [00:57:49] (55 seconds) #WeddingSupperComing

What's the application this morning? He's saying get ready be prepared don't be like the virgins who don't have your oil ready be ready be ready he's coming he's the same yesterday today and forever no one has the power to control the universe the stars and to declare the appointed times of God but God himself. [01:00:23] (24 seconds) #NewHeavensNewEarth

If the Spirit of God lives in you, then all of this wisdom, for He is wisdom, the wisdom of God, you have it. But He wants you to go to Him and say, show me your ways, O Lord, that I might walk in your truth. Reveal more of who you are. Paul says, find out what pleases the Lord. Begin to have a new appetite for His Word and ask Him. Because He lives in you. It's already there. He just wants you to discover the depth of it. I feel like He wanted me to say that. Don't be intimidated. You may not have heard these things and understand these things. It doesn't first happen in the intellect. It's a work of the Spirit inside of you. The Word is living and active and sharper than any double -edged sword. It penetrates deep. And that's what we want. [01:16:54] (49 seconds) #FaithForFinalHours

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