At The Fullness Of Time
"When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 )
The Savior’s coming was foretold in Eden after the fall of man (Gen.3:15). When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their first-born son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise delayed. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch the promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, keeping alive the hope of His appearing, and yet He came not. Century after century passed away; the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." Ezekiel 12:22. (Patriarchs & Prophets. pg. 32).
But, "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." He came when the world was ripe for the Deliverer. From a political perspective, there was peace and the nations were united under one government- the Roman Empire. There was a common language spoken, favorable means of travel, and a common culture that facilitated the rapid spread of the gospel.
From a biblical perspective, it also marked the time that God had set for the coming of the promised Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27). From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As they returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah's coming. Amazing!!!
The coming of Jesus into human history was no accident. “God sent forth His Son.at the fullness of time.” Paul’s choice of the word fullness indicates God’s active role in working out His purpose in human history. Jesus did not come at just any time; He came at the precise time God had prepared. God took the initiative in our salvation. God did not send a heavenly messenger. He, Himself, came because only God could save us.
As the second Adam, He came to reclaim all that the first Adam had lost by his disobedience (Romans 5:12-21). By His obedience He perfectly fulfilled the law’s demands, thus redeeming Adam’s tragic failure. And by His death on the cross, He met the justice of the law, which required the death of the sinner, thus gaining the right to redeem all who come to Him in true faith and surrender.
Jesus fulfilled God’s purpose not only in being born, but also in dying, for his death was a timely sacrifice. "At the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Talk of God’s timing!!!!
Be reminded that Jesus loves you to death and back and He desires to be your friend today. Because at the fulness of time He will come to take those who accept Him home to be with Him eternally.