Full

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. (Galatians 4:4–5, NIV 1984).

My Advice – Israel waited a long time for “the time [to] fully come.” We do not know why it took Him so long, but God keeps His promises in His time. Yet when the time did come, for the most part, they failed to recognize Him. And it remains the same today, as we wait for the time to fully come when He will return. Could it be that God’s timing was horribly off?

This time, we know why He tarries. “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so, all Israel will be saved.” (Romans 11:25–26, NIV 1984). He awaits the “full number” of the non-Jews. And then, “all Israel will be saved.”

Because of this we know that there is nothing at all wrong with His timing. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV 1984). Jew and non-Jew. He didn’t just come for the Jews the first time, and He will not abandon His promise to the Jews before He comes the second time.

My Advice – We must pray for the people of Israel to recognize and accept their Messiah. “‘The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,’ declares the Lord. ‘As for me, this is my covenant with them.'” (Isaiah 59:20-21a, NIV 1984).