The hour has come

Our annual theme led us to focus on the concept of "the right time" and its importance within God's cosmic plan. Today, I would like to share with you about a particular moment in Jesus' ministry recorded by John in chapter 12, verses 20 to 36.

In this passage, we see Jesus speaking about a critical moment: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). This "hour" was not just a specific time on the clock but a cosmic moment of great spiritual significance. Jesus had predicted this "hour" throughout the course of his ministry, a turning point that would define his entire mission.

For a moment, think about the series of events that led Jesus to this decisive moment. From his early refusal to perform a miracle at the wedding in Cana, to his entry into Jerusalem on the donkey's colt on Palm Sunday, all these events led to this ultimate moment. It was the moment when Jesus' path to his crucifixion and resurrection definitively began.

But this "hour" not only had a meaningful impact on Jesus' own life, it had a universal implication. We see it in the interaction with the Greek men who came to him. This encounter revealed Jesus' awareness of a new era, an era in which his message was not only intended for the Jews but for the whole world.

For us today, this message has two important implications:

• Firstly, it calls us to understand the significance of Jesus' "hour" in our own lives. It is an invitation to participate in the glorification of Christ through our faith. It is a moment of decision-making, a moment in which we must choose to set aside our own interests and surrender ourselves to God's will. It is an opportunity to experience the depth of his grace and love and to dedicate ourselves to it.

• Secondly, it challenges us to ask what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ. Are we willing to reject our own selfish desires and live for Him who died for us? This question forces us to honestly examine our own hearts and determine where our loyalty lies.

The HOUR has come. It is an invitation for us to choose whom we will serve, whom we will follow, and whom we will devote ourselves to. Let us make the right decision, may we walk the path of faith and obedience, and may we see the right results follow, all to the glory of God. The HOUR has come. Let us be ready to embrace it.