Imagine you’ve been waiting for something really, really special. Maybe you’re counting down the days until a birthday, a vacation, or a visit from someone you love. That feeling of anticipation, that sense of hope that something wonderful is about to happen – that’s a tiny glimpse of the hope that God’s people felt for centuries as they waited for the promised Messiah. Our key verses today connect the very beginning of that promise to its incredible fulfillment. Genesis 3:15 gives us the first hint, spoken right after things went wrong in the Garden of Eden: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Then, Galatians 4:4, centuries later, declares, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” These verses tell a story of a promise made and a promise kept. A promise of hope whispered in the darkness, and a hope fulfilled in the light of Jesus. Let’s explore this amazing story.
Think back to the beginning of the Bible. God created a perfect world, but humanity made choices that led to separation from God and a world filled with pain and brokenness. It’s like a beautiful vase shattered into pieces. But even in that moment, God didn’t abandon His creation. In Genesis 3:15, He speaks of a future where evil will be defeated. This verse is like planting a tiny seed of hope in the midst of despair. It’s a promise that one day, a descendant of humanity would rise up to “crush” the power of evil. This “seed” was a mystery for a long time. Who would this person be? How would this victory happen? For generations, people held onto this promise, waiting for the day when God would set things right.
Centuries passed. Kingdoms rose and fell. Prophets spoke of a coming king, a savior who would bring peace and restoration. Then, Galatians 4:4 tells us that “when the set time had fully come,” God sent His Son, Jesus. Think about that phrase, “when the set time had fully come.” It means that God had a perfect plan, a perfect schedule. Even though it seemed like a long wait, God was working behind the scenes, preparing the world for the arrival of the Messiah. It’s like an orchestra conductor, patiently guiding each instrument, knowing exactly when the music will reach its most beautiful crescendo.
Jesus was born into the world as a baby, just like any other human. He lived a life of humility, love, and service. He taught about God’s kingdom, healed the sick, and showed compassion to the outcast. But He was also so much more than just a man. Galatians tells us He was God’s Son, sent from heaven to earth. He was fully God and fully human. This is a mystery that’s hard to wrap our minds around, but it’s at the heart of the good news: God Himself came to be with us, to save us, to bring us back to Himself. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of that ancient promise. He defeated the power of evil, not with earthly weapons, but with love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. He broke the chains that held us captive and opened the way for us to have a relationship with God again.
The story of the promised Messiah is a story of hope fulfilled. It’s a reminder that God always keeps His promises, even when it seems impossible. It’s a story that tells us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light on the horizon. That hope isn’t just a historical fact; it’s a living reality. Jesus, the Messiah, offers us that same hope today. He offers us forgiveness, peace, and a future filled with the promise of restoration. He is the answer to our deepest longings, the fulfillment of our greatest needs. So, as we look at the world around us, with all its challenges and uncertainties, we can hold onto the promise of the Messiah. We can trust that God’s plan is unfolding, that His love is reaching out to us, and that one day, all things will be made new.