The Fullness of Time

​Galatians 4:4-5 ~ “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
 
The Christmas season, celebrated across the world by nations and peoples, is understood first and foremost by those who have been redeemed. In truth, only the redeemed of Christ can comprehend the wonder and joy of what this season is meant to illuminate. Many who do not know the LORD, during this season, will decorate their homes, distribute gifts, join in various festivities and even attend worship services. For this brief time of year, people seem to capitalize on a spirit of grace that permeates throughout the communities of our world. Dear reader, we are given this wonderful moment to remind people that the greatest gift, the most blessed grace, and the deepest love was given not by someone on earth, but delivered to the earth from the Father in Heaven.
 
As we begin to consider our text for today, let us first understand that God is perfect in His timing. We read, “But when the fullness of time had come.” There is specificity to the management of time by the hand of the Almighty. Nothing random has ever occurred from His perspective. And though we see things as haphazard and coincidental, it is only because our perspective is greatly limited. The LORD has no such limitation. Isaiah 46:10 speaks of God, “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” The LORD Jesus came at the precise time, entering into this world at the very moment that was predetermined by the Father. A time earlier and it would be too soon, later and it would be too late.
 
Next, we discover that this was the most precious gift ever given to mankind, and it was completely wrapped in humility. Our text continues, “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” Gifts this Christmas will be exchanged, packages will be boldly wrapped, looking delightful to the eye and bringing hopeful anticipation to the recipient. But the Savior, Christ the LORD, did not get “wrapped” with the finery of this world. He did not come into this world with princely adornment. He was not born to worldly royalty. He did not come down from heaven in all His righteous glory but was born of a woman and born under the law. He came humbly, and was first presented to all of mankind as a baby. Isaiah 53:2 declares, “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” Let us be ever thankful that the LORD Jesus came as He did, for then we know that we have a faithful and compassionate Savior who understands the conditions of mankind, for He has experienced it as well (see Hebrews 2:17).
 
God did not send this gift to those who we might deem worthy of such a treasure. We read further, “to redeem those under the law.” All of humanity are, in truth, under the law of God. Everyone will be judged by the righteous and just law of God Almighty. And, as all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (see Romans 3:23), we must understand that all of mankind are lawbreakers. Not one person is worthy to receive one moment of redemption, let alone a full pardon for all transgressions. But Jesus came to redeem sinners, and so He identified with them, being born under the law and living sinless before God. Because He submitted Himself to the law, He did what we could not—He obeyed perfectly. And, like a gift given, He did this not for Himself, but for those who would believe on Him. He did this that He could redeem those “under the law.” We read in Titus 2:14 concerning Christ, “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
 
And this most timely gift was given for a greater purpose than the mere pleasure of the recipients. Our text today closes with these words, “so that we might receive adoption as sons.” We are not merely pardoned criminals set free to our own devices, we are forgiven and moved from the prison to the palace! Jesus came that we might be the adopted children of the Almighty Father. It would be more than we deserve if we had our sentence of eternal judgment commuted. But the LORD Jesus has gone to the full measure of His gracious love and redeemed us that we should be His family. Hebrews 2:12 declares, “For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.”
 
Beloved, as we enter this Christmas season, let us reflect upon this “fullness of time” that brought to the earth the Redeemer. Humbly presented was the King of kings that He should be the Savior of both the mighty and the meek—all who will humble themselves and call upon the LORD for salvation.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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