In a culture that values speed and instant results, waiting is often viewed as a wasted resource. However, in the economy of God, waiting is a purposeful season of preparation. This sermon addresses the tension of praying for a breakthrough—whether for a nation, a marriage, or a personal struggle—and meeting only silence. By looking at the “Fullness of Time” in the birth of Christ, we discover that God’s silence is never His absence; rather, it is the space in which He works behind the scenes to set the stage for His glory.
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The 400 Years of Silence
Between the Old and New Testaments (Malachi and Matthew), there was a 400-year period known as the Intertestamental Period. During this time, there were no prophets and no recorded Word from God. To the Jews, it seemed God had forgotten His promise. Yet, history reveals that God was using this “silence” to prepare the world for the Messiah:
- The Rise of the Greek Empire: Alexander the Great conquered known continents, spreading the Greek language. For the first time, a single language allowed the Gospel to be understood across diverse nations.
- The Septuagint: During this wait, the Hebrew Old Testament was translated into Greek, making the prophecies of the Messiah accessible to the entire world.
- The Roman Road System: The Roman Empire followed the Greeks, establishing a season of peace (Pax Romana) and building a massive network of roads. This infrastructure was the “highway” that allowed the early church to spread the Gospel rapidly.
The “Set Time” Principle
Galatians 4:4 declares that Jesus was born when the “set time had fully come.” This teaches us that God’s timing is considerate and precise.
- Silence Does Not Mean Absence: Just as God was moving empires to prepare for Jesus, He is moving circumstances in your life while you wait.
- God is a Way-Maker: He doesn’t just do the miracle; He prepares the environment so the miracle can have its maximum impact.
- The Certainty of the Promise: If God spoke it, it has a “set time” for fulfillment. Your role is not to speed up the clock, but to remain alert and faithful in the waiting.
A Divine Setup
The current unrest and uncertainty in the world—and specifically in Tanzania—may not be a sign of God’s departure, but a divine setup for a spiritual awakening.
- A Call to Wake Up: Uncomfortable seasons strip away our self-reliance and force us to share the Gospel with urgency.
- Preparing for His Return: Just as the first arrival of Jesus was perfectly timed, His second coming is being prepared for right now. Every global shift is a preparation for His eternal Kingdom.
The Greatest Gift of All
Christmas is the celebration of the ultimate “fullness of time”—the moment God gave the gift of redemption.
- Redemption from the Law: Jesus was born under the law to buy back those enslaved by it.
- Adoption to Sonship: We aren’t just forgiven; we are brought into the family of God as sons and daughters.
- Receiving the Gift: A gift is only yours if you receive it. Redemption requires a personal confession and a heart that believes in the resurrection of Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
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Are you currently in a “400-year silence” in your own life? Do not let the wait steal your peace. Trust that the Eternal Rock is working behind the scenes to prepare a “set time” for your breakthrough. If you have been waiting to reconcile with God, today is your set time.
