In the fullness of time

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, - Galatians 4v4

I mentioned earlier that I love teaching. I also love history. When I taught in the classroom my major subject area was history. So I had the joy of teaching about a subject that I loved.

This passage in one of those great history centred verses. God sent His Son when the time was just right – indeed in the fullness of time. For thousands of years everything was being arranged for this moment. The Hebrew nation had provided the Scriptures, the prophecies of Messiah, and the Law to show man his need. The Roman Empire stretched over most of the known world. Though she often conquered by force, her troops provided safety and protection for travellers on her amazing road system, parts of which are still in use today. This allowed the apostles and first missionaries to carry the gospel all over the known world. Greece had provided a universal language so that God’s word could be read in the furthest corners of the Empire. It was indeed the “fullness of time.”

I think the lesson is clear. God always acts in the fullness of time. The Jews had waited thousands of years for their Messiah. Surely they thought at times that He was never coming – but He did; in the fullness of time.

Some today are enamoured with the return of Christ. They read the news and try to bring it into conformity with Scriptures. In my relatively short life I have seen technology used as proof that His return must be close. Scripture was interpreted to set many dates. 1989 was a big year. It was about forty years since the foundation of Israel. By saying that human history was going to be 7,000 years long, subtracting 1,000 years for the millennium, four years since Christ was actually born in 4 BC, and seven years for the tribulation it simply had to happen then!

But it didn’t. Now we hear of new dates and projections. It might even be this year! In 2015 the moon, sun, and planets will be arranged so that some see them as a sure sign of His return, Take away seven years and, voila! 2008 fits.

He may very well return in 2008. It could even be today. But I do know this – He will return in the fullness of time.

In fact, God always works in the fullness of time. No matter what we are waiting on, now matter how long we have waited to see God work; He will work in the fullness of time.

When we were weary of deputation and wondering if we were would ever get to Ireland someone reminded us of a great truth – “God has never been late.”

God is never late. Be assured, He always acts in the fullness of time.