The Fulness of Time

12/25/2024

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
— Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)

God’s timing is perfect. This truth is beautifully expressed in Galatians 4:4-5, where Paul reminds us that Jesus was sent at precisely the right moment in history. His arrival was not random or hurried but divinely orchestrated. The phrase “when the set time had fully come” reflects God’s sovereignty over history and His meticulous preparation for the coming of Christ.

Consider what this means: Jesus, fully divine, entered our world as fully human. He was “born of a woman,” sharing in our humanity, and “born under the law,” experiencing the constraints and demands of the Mosaic Law. His life and death were the ultimate fulfillment of the law, making way for a new covenant of grace.

The purpose of Jesus’ coming is clear—“to redeem those under the law.” Redemption means being bought back at a price. We were enslaved to sin and burdened by the law’s requirements, unable to fulfill them on our own. Yet Jesus’ sacrifice set us free, not only from the penalty of sin but also from the need to earn our salvation.

But God didn’t stop there. The verse goes on to say that we were redeemed “that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Redemption brings freedom, but adoption brings belonging. We are no longer strangers or outsiders; we are sons and daughters of God. In Roman culture, adoption conferred the full rights and privileges of biological children. Likewise, through Christ, we receive the full inheritance of God’s promises, including eternal life, peace, and joy.

Let me share three things that can help you along your journey.

Trust God’s Timing
If God orchestrated the perfect moment for Jesus’ arrival, we can trust Him with the timing in our lives. What situation in your life are you struggling to entrust to God’s timing? Pray for the patience to wait for His perfect plan.

Live as Redeemed
Remember, you are no longer a slave to sin or bound by the law’s demands. Walk in the freedom Christ has given you today. Are there areas where you’re still living as though you’re in bondage? Surrender them to Jesus.

Embrace Your Identity
As a child of God, you are loved, valued, and cherished. Let this truth shape your decisions, relationships, and perspective. Take a moment to thank God for the privilege of being His child.

Today, take a moment to reflect on your identity as a child of God. Write down one way you can live out this identity—whether in your relationships, your work, or your attitude—and take intentional steps to act on it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son at just the right time to redeem us and adopt us as Your children. Help me to trust Your timing in every area of my life. Teach me to live in the freedom You’ve provided and to embrace my identity as Your child. May my life reflect Your love and grace to others today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign