The Soul Anchor [Hebrews 6:19] - December 1, 2024
Many of our favorite stories begin “Once upon a time…” This indicates to us that there is a certain time when a series of events took place and altogether it makes a great story that is fun to tell others – especially our children and grandchildren.
But the greatest story of all time, the one we celebrate every December doesn’t begin ‘Once upon a time…” but rather, “Once in the fullness of time.” It didn’t just happened but was planned from before the beginning of time.
The God of the Bible is never late, He is never early and He is never, never in a hurry. He is always right on time. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us,
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.”
The birth of Jesus is certainly no exception.
God has set limits to the times and boundaries of the nations from all eternity. Acts 17:26 says
“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”
God is always at work around us and His timing is perfect.
Galatians 4:4-5 (NASB) reads,
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
If you’ve read the Bible – if you understand how the creator of the universe works – you know that He left no detail of our salvation to chance. In Galatians 4:4 the Greek word translated fullness is pleroma and it indicates that Jesus came at the perfect time. Spiritually, Jews such as Simeon and Anna (Read Luke 2:25-38 for their story) were eagerly anticipating the Messiah’s coming. There was even heightened interest among Gentiles with the magi leaving their home because they saw “his star “in the east and traveled many miles to worship Him. Even the world domination of the Roman Empire had created a time of relative peace and a great road system for this Gospel to reach the ends of the world.
But Jesus didn’t just come at the right time but also for the right purpose. He came born of a woman, born under the law – to redeem those under the law. If Jesus had just come to be a celebrity - to dazzle us with His words and His miraculous works, it would have been amazing but it wouldn’t have changed anything- the world didn’t need a star – it needed a savior. Jesus came to redeem those under the law and some 33 years after this perfect arrival came the perfect moment for us to be forgiven. Nailed to a Roman cross, a crown of thorns on His head, Jesus called out, “It is finished”, “tetelastai” – “paid in full.” Redemption had come for all who would accept it.
Now we wait for the perfect climax. II Peter 3:9-10 tells us that although some may think it is taking too long it will come at the perfect time.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
The perfect time for the day of the Lord is determined by God’s patience. He doesn’t want anyone to perish – to be separated from Him for eternity. Maybe He’s waiting for you to receive Him - now is the perfect time. Today is the day of salvation.
When everyone He is waiting for is on board we get to spend eternity with Him forever – it won’t just be happily ever after but joyfully forever after!
God bless,
Pastor Frank
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