Reckoning the Future through the Past

“But 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.”           - Galatians 4.4-5, esv

God’s redeeming acts in Salvation History give us an opportunity to marvel at what he has done on our behalf and give us surety of what is yet to come.  It is the dual nature of Advent that makes it a profound and compelling season for the church.  In celebrating what God has done (through the incarnation) we look forward to what God will accomplish at the Last Day (the Consummation of the Kingdom of God).  This looking back to look forward is not new for the people of God.  The Passover and Exodus in the Old Testament was the key moment of redemption that every Israelite looked to as an anchor point of God’s redeeming love and faithfulness.  The Exodus demonstrated God’s utter commitment as Israel’s Covenant Lord and provided a surety for what God would do on behalf of his people to bring them to the Land of Promise. 

The Israelites could remember the Passover and rejoice that their future with God was rooted in his faithfulness.  Is it any wonder that God commanded his people to celebrate the Passover with regularity?  Is it any wonder that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper and commanded his people to celebrate it with regularity.  It is a grace to his people to remember his atoning sacrifice through the signs and seals of the new covenant.  Bringing to mind what God has done points the way to God’s sure future.  The same God who delivered his people from the hand of Pharaoh is the same God who would bring a Messiah who would deliver Shalom to his people- once and for all. 

Why should God’s people be joyful, thankful and enduring in faithfulness?  The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and the accomplishment of our redemption through his shed blood is why!  How can we remain hopeful in a world filled with tragedy and loss?  Through the stunning love of God, who at the “fullness of time” took on flesh and offered himself as a ransom for many.  The incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus the Son of God demonstrate the faithfulness and power of God to fulfill his Word and to live up to all his decrees.  Because we can look to Jesus in his first appearing, we can look with confidence toward the future, with joy and surety! “Christ has died, Christ has risen,  Christ will come again.”