In this sermon: The Miracle in the Moment, the “fullness of time” from Galatians 4:4 is discussedHe begins by setting the context of Paul’s letter, explaining how the law of Moses had served its purpose in keeping Israel in a state of spiritual immaturity. Simon then introduces the main theme: The miracle in the Moment is God’s perfect timing in sending His Son to rescue enslaved sinners.
The sermon emphasizes two crucial points about God’s timing:
1. God always keeps His appointments
2. God’s time is always the right time
To illustrate these points, Simon references several Bible verses showing Jesus’ awareness of God’s timing throughout His ministry. He quotes Mark 1:15, John 2:4, John 7:6, John 13:1, and John 17:1 to demonstrate how Jesus consistently spoke about His “hour” or “time.”
Simon then explores why the time of Jesus’ arrival was “the fullness of time.” He presents three converging factors that made it the right time:
1. Culturally: The spread of a common trade language (Greek) throughout the known world facilitated the spread of ideas.
2. Politically: The Pax Romana provided relative peace and an extensive road system, enabling safe travel and the spread of the gospel.
3. Spiritually: Both Jews and Romans were expecting a Messiah or saviour figure.
Simon delves deeper into the spiritual readiness, citing Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver’s observations about the heightened Messianic expectations in the first century CE. He then introduces a key prophecy from Genesis 49:10 about the scepter not departing from Judah until Shiloh (the Messiah) comes.
The sermon connects this prophecy to historical events in 6 AD when the Romans removed the Jews’ right to carry out capital punishment. This event, recorded by the historian Josephus, signaled to the Jews that the time for the Messiah’s arrival had come. Simon poignantly describes how the Jewish leaders grieved, believing God had broken His promise when the Messiah didn’t immediately appear.
However, Simon reveals that Jesus, then a 12-year-old boy, was already present in Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy as recorded in Luke 2. This historical context underscores God’s perfect timing and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
In conclusion, Simon applies these truths to his listeners’ lives. He encourages them to recognize that God’s timing might be at work in their own circumstances, even if they don’t fully understand it. The sermon ends with a call to salvation, reminding the audience of 2 Corinthians 6:2, which states that now is the favourable time and the day of salvation.
Simon urges those who have been merely religious to make their faith personal by confessing their need for Jesus as Savior. He encourages listeners to ask Christ for new life and to help them live a life of faith towards God and repentance from sin.