December 1 - When The Time Was Right

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law" (Galatians 4:4 NKJV)

In Galatians 4:4, when it says "the fullness of time," the Amplified Bible says "when the proper time had fully come." God was not early, God was not late. He knew from eternity past when this moment would occur, and at just the right time, God sent forth his Son.

At just the right time, you had from the Greeks a common culture and a shared speech. Alexander the Great had conquered the known world in 333 BC, spreading Greek culture and language throughout the empire.

From the Romans, you had this network of roads - 250,000 miles of roads that the Romans established, 50,000 miles of which were paved. These became gospel roads where Paul could travel and share the message of Christ. You also had the Roman peace, the Pax Romana, during which there was relative calm throughout the empire for 200 years.

From the Jewish people, you had this spiritual fervor, this anticipation for a promised Messiah. For 400 years since the close of the Old Testament, no prophet had spoken in Israel. That absence of the voice of God caused the people of God to anticipate, to long to hear from God.

All of this came together when the fullness of time had come. God sent forth his son. That's what we mean when we describe God's sovereignty - that God's plan can never be thwarted by man.

Reflection Question: How can you trust God's perfect timing more fully during seasons of waiting in your life?

Dear Heavenly Father, help me trust Your perfect timing in all areas of my life. When I grow impatient or confused about delays, remind me that You see what I cannot see. You are preparing me and my circumstances for Your perfect plan. Give me faith to wait on You and peace to rest in Your sovereignty. In Jesus' Name, amen.