“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… So now, 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 unkind attitudes we can cop. This collision takes place at the intersection of our brokenness and our longings. We crave the Day when it will be impossible for us to be irritated, resentful, critical, or even “edgy” with each other.
Indeed, we are destined to be made perfect in love. Hasten that Day, Jesus. But as with your first arrival so with your final arrival, that Day will come in the “fullness of time”—which is “Abba Time.” Abba’s timing is never late and never early, better than Swiss and always full of grace.
That you were born under the ceiling of a stable, not on a “Hallmark Movie” set, is awe-inspiring to us, Jesus. But that you were “born under the law” is every-thing-transforming for us. It’s why we don’t give into condemnation and shame for the ways we will still hurt each other and love so inconsistently.
For you didn’t come into the world to convenience yourself, but to redeem us. Because you lived for us and died for us—we are no longer slaves to sin and death, but are beloved children and guaranteed heirs of our heavenly Father’s everything. Hallelujah, and thank you!
So in light of everything you have done for us and will finish in us, free us to love quicker, deeper, and longer, Jesus. Grant us grace to love others today as you love us; and grant us quick, humble, sweet repentances when we don’t. So Very Amen.
