February 18, 2006

“Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations; even thought it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say,” And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “and to your seed,” that is Christ. What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For is the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God as granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.” Galatians 3:15-18

Simply put, God made a promise to Abraham. Paul reminds us that God’s promises were made to Abraham and his “seed” which is referencing Jesus Christ. One of the points of this text is to understand that when God gave the Law to Moses its intent was not to invalidate the promise that was made to Abraham (we will be looking at the purpose of the Law this Sunday in worship, and next week through our devotions).

Tim Keller, pastor and author, clarifies it this way:
“If the Law of Moses was intended to be the means for salvation, then the promise to Abraham would not have been a real promise. Therefore, the law of Moses has a different purpose.”

But from this text we can also see the character of God. Stop and think for just a moment how wonderful the promise of Jesus Christ really was and is. Generations before Christ came to walk the earth, God made a promise to Abraham. God made a promise and God fulfilled His promise. What does that teach us about what God is like?

• God is love! We have seen over the last couple of days that in order for Christ to buy us back (“redeem”) from our sin, He had to pay the highest price. God gave His own Son so that whoever would trust Him by faith could have the glory of God revealed to them, their sins forgiven, and have eternal life. This Gift was not given or received based upon anything we have done. It is solely based on the unconditional love of God!

• God’s timing is always perfect! Listen to Paul’s words in Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” God’s timing is always perfect and is always in line with His will.

We can trust Him because we can see His character. We can see His love and we can see that He will always fulfill His promises in just the right time. Would you praise God today for His love and perfect timing?