Lent Day 8: Just in time

"At just the right time Christ died for ungodly people. He died for us when we had no power of our own. It is unusual for anyone to die for a godly person. Maybe someone would be willing to die for a good person. But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

Biblical scholars say it was the perfect time for a Messiah:

  • Oppression made God's people cry out to him for help = they were ready for a Savior.
  • The cruel Roman Empire laid a vast road system that made travel possible = the Good News of Jesus spread like wildfire.
  • Education and schools (including synagogues) meant people were hearing the scriptures and local philosophers, debating, and writing = people were open to new ideas.
God orchestrated history as he sent his Son to die for us. Jesus was poor, humanly insignificant. He was a commoner, despised by those who remembered his mother's pregnancy before marriage, and from an unimportant town.

And yet it was the perfect setting - the most powerful One becoming powerless on our behalf. It was God's love in action, saving the world.

Where is God's strength becoming powerful in your own weakness? Where do you need his perfect timing for your rescue?

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