In The Fullness Of Time

-December 6, 2021-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who are under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

(Galatians 4:4-5).

There are some many encouraging verses about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today’s verses speak of the timing of His coming into the world. God’s timing is always perfect, not a moment too soon or a moment too late. God is never in a hurry. The same cannot be said of us mortals who always seem to be in a rush, especially this time of year.

The fullness of time is an agricultural term, meaning when the crops are ready to be harvested. A good farmer, is a patient farmer. Picking the fruit too soon is not good nor it good to wait until they are too ripe. There is a fine balance. In God’s reckoning, we must wait for His timing, sometimes months or even years. Case in point, God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan but it didn’t happen for hundreds of years. Genesis 15:16 tells us why, “But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” God was giving the Canaanites time to repent. God is so patient, but His patience does not last forever, judgment is coming on those who reject Christ.

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son. He always fulfills His promises. He was born of a woman, that is through Mary; was born under the law, that is born a Jew; and to redeem those who were under the law, that is all of us. This was the fulfillment of God’s promise in Isaiah 7:14, “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive a bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Only God could bring about something as glorious and miraculous at this. We still celebrate the birth of Christ these centuries later.

When the angel Gabriel announced that Mary would be the mother of our Savior, it seemed such an unbelievable thing, but she did believe. She did ask the obvious question, “…How can this be, since I do not know a man” (Luke 1:34). Gabriel made the clear and sure statement in Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” God is all powerful, He can do all things, except lie or deny Himself. Her faith is shown in the very next verse, “Then Mary said, ‘Behold, the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be done according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38).

How do you react when you encounter an impossible situation? Do you say, “May Your will be done, Lord.” There is always the fullness of time when God comes through for us at just the right time. The virgin birth of Christ is one of the greatest miracles in all the Bible. The song says, “God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me. God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me. Though some doubt that His Word is true, but I’ve chosen to believe it, now how about you? God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me.”

The result of His coming into the world for those who believe is eternal life, forgiveness, salvation, and place in the family of God. We who were once lost sinners without hope have been adopted into God’s family as sons. It is such a blessed position! In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son to accomplish so great a work in so many hearts.

Have a blessed day today and all through this Christmas season. God has many sons, but only one you! Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean