The Ninth Hour - Andrew Peterson

What is the ninth hour?

Traditionally, the ninth hour is around three in the afternoon - nine hours after the sun came up. It is also the time of Jesus's death (Mark 15). As such it has come to have other meanings, like "the end". It is the time that separated the work of the day from the time of baths and supper. It signaled the end of the work day. It was a traditional time of prayer, with people going to the temple to mark the end of their day.

I wanted to skip this song.
It doesn't have words.
What would I write?
Noone would know I skipped it.
and the next song is my favorite.

But God said, "NO".

There's something fitting about Christ dying "at the ninth hour" - his work on earth was done. At the ninth hour, the curtain in the temple is torn from top to bottom. Jesus' time of work on earth has finished, but His battle is just beginning. The war for our souls continues on. In the dark of night.

What time is it for you? Are you in your ninth hour? Have you reached the end of where you can continue to fight? Do you need to surrender to God's power? Do you need to visit the temple, to see the curtain torn?

Are you in the dark? Have you crossed the ninth hour and are just waiting for the light of day? May you be encouraged, friend, that God is with you in that time. He has not abandoned or forsaken you - he is with you in that tomb... and Sunday's coming.

Whether you feel like today is your ninth hour, you feel like you are in the dark, or you are living in the light on the other side, know that God has been there. He has lived it, He is with you there.

My friend, you are not alone!