When the clock struck midnight, beautiful fireworks went off all over Pueblo. We entered into the New Year of 2023. I have a hunch all the excitement was evidence of hope that this year will bring in better things than the last.
What will 2023 bring? One thing I do know is that earnest hope can only be materialized when one is trusting GOD, having come to HIM through the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
We know GOD has preset all times and places for things to happen (Acts 17:26b, Acts1:7) and we know that HE did it for a reason. Acts 17:27 tells us that reason was so that people would reach out to HIM. With that in mind, why do you suppose HE chose the particular time HE did for JESUS to be born?
When the fullness of the time had come, GOD sent forth HIS SON. Galatians 4:4
What could be the reason the timing of JESUS’ birth is referred to as the fullness of time by GOD?
History shows us that centuries before JESUS CHRIST was born, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and trade language. When he died, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of culture and the trade language of the Greeks plus made roads to connect the empire. It was under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across 3 continents through good roads, territorial boundaries free of “passport” restrictions and the use of the unifying trade language-(Kione Greek which is the most precise language ever). It was under this Roman rule, at the perfect time when GOD had put all the pieces in place for the spreading of the Gospel of JESUS, that HE sent HIS SON for the intent that people could reach out to JESUS, find HIM and be saved (Acts 17:26-27).
At that time JESUS came into the world, lived, loved and was crucified. There the blood of CHRIST was shed for all men. But only those who call on the name of the LORD are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).
Today, like back then. GOD has synchronized everything and has prepared in advance good works for us believers in JESUS to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Anyone who sees or hears the news knows, we live not just in a time of quickly expanding knowledge, but also an unstable and turbulent time with mobs and rioting, food and gas shortages, wars and a distrust of governments worldwide besides the trashing of GOD’s moral values and ensuing unrestrained degrading self-indulgence and foolishness.
Like many other believers in JESUS, I long for the Rapture when JESUS will come and take us who have chosen HIM out of all this evil. Yet until then, there is a reason for us to be here and I want to do all GOD has for me to do.
GOD has chosen you and me to live in this time and place. HE has done it for a reason. I know that for a fact, because HE has said that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23). I wonder as we enter into the New Year of 2023 to what specific assignments HE brought us to where we are at for such a time as this?
I don’t know the details, but I do know without a doubt it is to give lost (unbelieving) people more opportunities to reach out to HIM and be eternally saved before it is too late. I know that without a doubt for the GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), has declared that HE has preset all times and places for that very purpose (Acts 17:27).
I rejoice in the privilege to serve GOD here and now yet as I see the growing evil and apostasy I yearningly cry out, “Even so come LORD JESUS!”
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 