Just in Time – December 31, 2019

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.
Galatians 4:4

Just in Time

Forty years ago, just-in-time manufacturing changed everything in the auto industry. There was less inventory and quicker production times, delighting both managers and customers. When it was done well, just the right part was available at just the right time, every time.

Two thousand years ago, a just-in-time event changed everything in the world. For thousands of years, God had promised a Savior. The people who believed his promise awaited the day when it would be fulfilled. In times of both injustice and despair, they cried out to the Lord, “How long? How long will it be until you keep your promise?”

Then, at the set time, God kept his promise. The Son of God took on human flesh. He became fully human yet was without sin. He came to earth to do the will of his Father.

It was the perfect time in human history. Everything was in place for Jesus to do exactly what his Father wanted him to do. And what was that? Jesus came to bear the sins of the world, earning forgiveness for you.

On the last day of the calendar year, you can look back and see how some things have gone well, and other things—well, probably not so well. But when you look back on what Jesus has done for you, you will see only perfection, because Jesus came at just the right time. And as you look forward to the new year, Jesus will be with you, supplying you with whatever you need, just in time.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the blessings of the past year. Give me the confidence to face the new year with your forgiveness there for me at just the right time, every time. Amen.