“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… You are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Gal. 4:4–7
Lord Jesus, our holy ache for your return often collides with the graceless attitudes we “cop.” This collision takes place at the intersection of our brokenness and our longings. But as with your first coming, so with your second—it will happen at the “fullness of time”—”Abba-time.”
Life in our world right now isn’t “a party”; but that’s not something new. The circumstances of your birth were less than ideal, to put it mildly. But providence, not happenstance “called the shots.” Sovereign grace, not the Roman Empire, determined your entrance into the world. The same is true today, and until the Day you return.
Your being born under the ceiling of a stable was very “non-Hallmark-Movie-like.” But being born under the weight of the law was… well, only you could bear such a crushing burden. However, you came to redeem us, not convenience yourself. Because you did, we are no longer slaves to sin and death, but are children and heirs of our heavenly Father. Hallelujah!
Until your return, may we wait as a betrothed Bride, not complain like spoiled brats. May we welcome the outsider, care for the broken, and serve one another. May we smell more like your grace than our gripes. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.