In the fullness of Time
But when the fulness of time came, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoptions as sons ~ Galatians 4:4-5
There is time and season for everything under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). A pattern in the relationship of God with man is this: God gives a promise to man but does not fulfill it immediately. It takes time for God to prepare man and the event around Him for fulfillment. The time of preparation might be for a while, but God will surely fulfill his promise (Habakkuk 2:3). Put it this way, it will tarry until the appointed time but will not pass.
Let us take the case study of when man fell into the bondage of sin (Genesis 3). After man sinned, God laid out to man the promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15). Before the fulfillment, however, there was a long period of waiting. What happened during this waiting time, and what is it that we can learn from it? Two things happen during this waiting time: First, God gives the grace to wait (faith) and sets the stage for fulfilling the promise. Second, the devil comes in with deception to cause unbelief which leads to rebellion (trusting in your understanding instead of utterly depending on God). In the case of man, God initiated the sacrificial system as a way of forgiving the sins of man (the grace made available) and preparing man for the fulfillment of the promise (Christ becoming the ultimate sacrifice for us all) (Leviticus 1-10). The devil, however, stirred up unbelief in man that God could cleanse his sin by the blood of Jesus Christ and led man to openly defy God by causing man to think he is his own redemption.
Man, as a fallen creature, chose to follow the leading of the devil in the time of waiting, just like the children of Isreal chose to turn their allegiance to the golden calf when Moses was taking too long to come down from the mountain where he went to meet with God (Exodus 32). But praise be to God that they were those who sought and declared the promise of God by the help of the Holy Spirit.
However, when the fulness of time came, God sent his only begotten Son born of woman to fulfill the plan of redemption. When Jesus died, resurrected, and ascended to the Father's right hand, He fulfilled the promise of redemption. We have not fully come into the fullness, but there is the confidence of fulfillment (Hebrews 10: 1-14). It is only a matter of time till the final consummation of the promise.
How does this relate to us in this time? There are promises that God makes towards us that do not come to pass immediately. Does that mean God is a liar if they do not come to pass when we expect it? Certainly not! It may be that God is taking time to prepare you as you are not prepared. However, during the waiting time, God gives the grace to wait. The devil also brings doubt your way to cause you to rebel against God. I encourage you to look unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). God fulfilled the promise of sending His Son Jesus to redeem the world. There is nothing impossible for Him to bring to fruition
The Lord has promised that He is coming for a glorious church (Ephesians 4:24-25). It looks as though that will never come to fruition. Remember this God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). In the fullness of time, He will make His church glorious, then come back for His church. So it is not a question of whether it will come to pass, but will you be found worthy when He comes for His glorious church?
Be encouraged by this hymn:
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