May 16, 2010

Just the Right Time

Romans 5:1-11

At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:6

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Isn’t it interesting that God, the eternal One, who is not bound by time or space, has perfect timing? Though God is above and beyond time, he knows just when to step in.

God intervened when we were powerless. When it seemed hopeless, God became the God of hope by sending his Son, Jesus, to live, die, and rise again for us. When all human avenues for salvation were fruitless, God provided the way of salvation for all who would believe in his Son.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly”—that’s us!

Christ came on the cusp of history. God prepared it all. The Roman Empire had established a common language, preserved peace, and made travel easy for that era. Historians tell us that the way things came together in history made Christ’s birth in Bethlehem the ideal time for the Savior to be born. Galatians 4:4 explains, “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son …”

Thank God that his timing is perfect. Celebrate that in worship today. Thank God that while you were powerless, Christ died for you, so that you could be made right with God. Through our Lord Jesus we can all have reconciliation with God.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for coming to earth to wash away our sin and give us new life with God. Your timing was perfect in every way. Help us use our time today for your praise. Amen.

About the author — Jack Gray

Jack Gray recently retired after forty years as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. During that time he served seven churches from coast to coast in the United States. He and his wife, Wanda, have four sons and three grandchildren. They also have ministered to 44 foster children. This month’s devotions are inspired by his reflections on time at this transition in his life.

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