Monday, November 26, 2012

November 27, 2012

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8
 
I'm sure you have noticed that God's timing is different from yours. I certainly have!
 
Have you ever questioned His timing? I have.
 
In verse six the Apostle Paul mentions God's timing, "You see, at just the right time...."
 
So, the Great Apostle is reminding us that God's timing is perfect.
 
I have to wonder if Joseph and Mary had a few doubts about God's timing when the events of Christmas began to unfold?
 
Could there have been a much worse time to become pregnant? Mary's pregnancy spoiled their wedding plans, scandalized both of their reputations, and potentially placed Mary's life at risk.
 
What a terrible time for a taxation to be imposed!
 
What a terrible time to ride a donkey for a few days over rugged rutted roads!
 
And what an awful out of the way place to go!
 
What a terrible time for the King to become paranoid and cause Joesph, Mary and Jesus to flee to Egypt for several year! How hard do you suppose that was on his carpentry business back in Nazareth!

I think I understand why the might have questioned God's timing around that first Christmas! Who would blame them?

But they were obedient and faithful despite the hardships imposed by God's timing. Soon they came to understand that God was RIGHT on time!

History records that it REALLY was just the right time! The Romans had built roads and aquaducts, and shipping routes and established the "Pax Romana" so it was possible to travel safely. Plus, the religions of the day had grown stale and empty and people were ready for something real.

God's timing really IS perfect and Christmas proves it! I am sure that if you could interview Joseph or Mary today they would echo Paul's affirmation that it happened at "just the right time".

So, if you are doubting God's timing are questioning "why" things are happening as they are, remember He is working at "just the right time!"