“But when the set time had fully come God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that we might receive adoption as sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)
The spine of human history seemed like an unlikely space to send a Messiah. What’s more, a great heavenly silence preceded this unexpected birth. For the Israelites, it had to feel as though God had forgotten His promises entirely. The nation had been invaded and occupied multiple times during their four hundred year prophetic hiatus, yet two of their conquerers left them with great gifts to the cause of Christ. The Greeks gave a unified language. The Romans built roads. Each of these forced occupations better equipped the early believers to make Jesus known around the world. Aggressive and invasive cultures actually paved the way for the perpetuation of the gospel! Common language and a connected superhighway made it much easier to share the truth about the Messiah.
We read of the Christmas story and we are reminded that God’s timing isn’t just good, it’s perfect. He alone has fun view of the fullness of time. He knows the end from the beginning. He knew exactly which century, decade and day to send His Son to humanity. As we begin to understand this, we start to trust His sovereignty in our own story, too.
Like the waiting Israelites, we can feel unseen or even forgotten. We can wonder if God is going to keep His word. We can get worked up or fed up. But we wait best when we wait with scripture in hand, when we look back and remind ourselves that God’s way is perfect (even when it doesn’t feel so). We can trust God to be right on time, every time.
“As for God, His way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 NIV)
“He has made everything beautiful in His time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from the beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)
Friend, be assured, God makes it all lovely by the very end. Isn’t that a comfort when we wait in the tension of today? In what feels to be the last long stretch of not quite right? Whatever you are facing this morning: lack or loss or even utter silence, take some time to reflect on these scriptures and stretch out your trust once more. At just the right time, God will move and make it all right again.
“But I trust in You, Lord, I say “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands. (Psalm 31:14-15 NIV)
Lord, please forgive us for doubting your perfect timing: sometimes we forget how clearly You can see the end from the beginning. We get impatient and self-serving, but You painstakingly hold the lives of all men in the palm of Your hand. Help us learn to trust Your timing, fully assured of Your perfect intention and perspective. Your judgement is far sounder than ours: we will be glad to wait on You. Amen.