This week one verse sent me on a hunt that took me to a treasure trove of Truth.
We talked a bit about the two categories Paul outlined in chapter 4: those under the law (slaves) and those redeemed by the Son (sons); those enslaved by the ways of the world and those enriched by the inheritance of heaven. The power and significance of Christ's work washed over me as I considered how He has moved my life from abject slavery to being His co-heir.
I paused.
Then a small phrase teased my mind forward.
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Galatians 4:4
Paul points out to his readers that the details of Christ's birth unfolded at the appropriate time, when all necessary preparations were complete. Jesus grew in Mary's womb and was delivered in the stable in the pre-arranged sequence. The timing was perfect.
My memory flashed back to the first hint of Christ's coming.
"And I [God] will put enmity
between you [the serpent] and the woman,
and between your offspring [rebels] and hers [redeemed];
he [the offspring of a woman, Jesus the Christ] will crush your head,
and you [the enemy] will strike his heel." Genesis 3:15
God's account of creation explains the brokenness we see and the promise of Relief from the curse that's been affecting the world since the Fall. And, since the fulfillment of that promise is at a future date, a testament follows (in two portions) that is full of evidence of the Promise-Maker's 100% success rate.
An example pops into my head.
"God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." Genesis 17:15-16
As a woman who enjoyed our children's childhood I want Abraham and Sarah to be consumed with joy at this promise. I want them to live each day in an abandon of expectation of its fulfillment.
As a woman past retirement age I understand their reasonable struggle to accept even the possibility that THIS highly desired outcome could ever happen. Thankfully the Divine Historian only waits four chapters to report the results.
"Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." Genesis 21:2
The seemingly impossible promise is fulfilled "at the very time God had promised". Historic events confirm the trustworthiness of His character, evicting the doubt that numbs.
I am sobered in my inner man.
My own heart has been thrashing about and aching for a while with questions about God's ability or desire or intention to rescue me from seemingly impossible circumstances. Again and again the Spirit dragged me back to the Word to rebuild the basics of the faith; who God is and how He loves. The connection remained delicate until this reminder about His intimate intervention, flawless integrity, and omnipotent ability to act into the lives of His people with perfection.
My mind thaws and I recall that the Scriptures overflow with similar examples of specific promises being given and fulfilled according to the Father's perfect will. I wonder why that memory has been fading in and out for way more than a year. My heart races over the secure foundation of Truth that's been hiding me as a chick under the wings mentioned in Luke 13:34.
Are you struggling today?
What doubts are numbing your heart or mind?
How is your energy being diverted toward things of this world?
Please let me encourage you as a fellow pilgrim. Turn your eyes and ears, heart and mind toward the great I AM.
He is all He says He is. He loves you. He knows. He care. He's at work on your behalf.
His promises are true. Each one will be fulfilled at just the right time. Hallelujah!
I'd be privileged to hear how I might offer a praise or petition to the Lord for you.
Let's stand together.
Amen and amen. Good word. ♥
ReplyDelete