When the time had fully come...

So there’s a verse in Galatians that caused me to stop and think this morning.

It’s Galatians 4:4.

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law…”

I was pondering it as I walked the dog, particularly the phrase, “when the set time had fully come”,

and I found myself imagining…

…imagining the conversation that took place between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…

…imagining what the mystery that is the Three-in-One Community of the Godhead talked about in preparation for Galatians 4:4 becoming reality.

And I wonder if it went something like this:

Father: The time has come. It’s here.

Son: Er…what time?

Father: The time that we set ages ago….you know, like back in eternity past. The time that we’ve been working towards. The time that everything has been building up to.

Son: Oh yes, gotcha…I’m with you.

Holy Spirit chimes in: Come on Jesus…it’s not as if it should be a surprise…literally everything has been about this time. The prophets I’ve inspired…they all spoke about it…they foresaw this time.

Son: Yep, I know. It’s time. It’s come. And I’m ready.

Father: Good. Because it’s time. And I’ve already begun rolling things out

Son: Rolling things out?

Father: Well yes…there were a few ‘details’ to take care of.

Son: Details?

Father: I had to send Gabriel to go visit old Zechariah. With a message. Remember…there has to be a for-runner to the Messiah…you haven’t forgotten what the Spirit breathed into Isaiah have you…about a voice of one calling in the wilderness?

Son: Calling what?

Holy Spirit: Calling “Prepare the way for the Lord!”

Son: Oh yep…that.

Father: So Zechariah and his wife are going to have a baby….and that baby….

Son: The voice, right?

Father: Exactly.

Son: Anything else need to be done?

Father: Well, yes, But I’m working on it. We need a mother…..but I think I’ve found one.

Son: Great job…who do you have in mind?

Father: a sweet girl from Nazareth….called Mary. She’s going to get a visit from Gabriel too.

Son: Anything else?

Father: Yep….there’s her fiancé too….he’s going to have questions….

Son: Sounds like another job for an angel?

Father: Yep, I’m ahead of you. And then there’s Caesar Augustus?

Son: Where does he fit in?

Father: Well, you need to arrive in Bethlehem. So I’ve laid it on his heart to call a census.

Son: Aah…clever…I like your thinking.

Father: (with a chuckle)…Thanks - I’ve had a long time to plan!

Son: Not sure I want to ask…but any other details I need to know about?

Father: Well, you don’t really ‘need’ to know…but I can tell you if you like. There are going to be some shepherds come visit you when you’re born….

Son: Let me guess….more angels?

Father: You’re getting the idea! And some wise men….although they won’t arrive on time.

Son: Another angel?

Father: Well, actually, no! A star.

Son: a star!

Father: Yep, that’s right. A star is set to appear and get their attention.

Son: You really have been working on hard on this haven’t you!

Father: Well, I guess I have. But it’s important. Everything needs to be just right. And people are going to be talking about this for generations.

Son: Yes they are!

Spirit: Well, if it’s time, should we get going? Do you want me to go tell Gabriel his next assignment?

Father: Yep, go for it.

So that’s how my imagination was working this morning!

Totally made-up…but it’s fun to imagine.

And in and amongst my imaginings, there was a more serious thought that struck me.

God’s in charge.

Of all of history.

God reigns over all things.

Over creation and kingdoms and rulers and individuals.

Over all things.

And in the mysterious intersection between free-will and divine sovereignty, God’s ways and timings are perfect.

And even if I don’t understand, or want things to happen quicker, actually, resting in the One who holds time in his hands is a very liberating feeling.