But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
—Galatians 4:4-6
...for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true...
—Ephesians 5:9
We understand the contrast between good fruit and bad fruit. We understand the disappointment of cutting into a piece of fruit that appears good on the outside, but finding the inside unfit to eat. We know the little joy of finding a piece of fruit at the peak of full ripeness.
At the right time, the Father sent His Son to be with us. Roman occupation was not a pretty backdrop. Corruption and self-congratulation among Sadducees and Pharisees did not glorify the Lord. Racism and ethnic segregation did not establish the right relationship with God.
But He still loved His creation; He still sent His Son.
Jesus did the works of the Father. And He challenged those who rejected Him to “believe the works”. He urged His disciples to distinguish true teaching from false teaching by examining the fruits.
The Christmas carol that begins by proclaiming, "Joy to the world!" concludes by pointing to the fruits of the coming of the King of glory. He does not rule the world with oppression and brute force. He rules "with truth and grace". As a consequence, those of all nations who elevate Him demonstrate the glory of right relationships, right hearts, right speech, and right actions.
And the final fruit in the last verse is joy and wonder for His love.
With Truth and Grace
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory!
—Psalm 24:3-4, 9-10
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
—Psalm 98:8-9
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
—Galatians 4:4-6
...for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true...
—Ephesians 5:9
We understand the contrast between good fruit and bad fruit. We understand the disappointment of cutting into a piece of fruit that appears good on the outside, but finding the inside unfit to eat. We know the little joy of finding a piece of fruit at the peak of full ripeness.
At the right time, the Father sent His Son to be with us. Roman occupation was not a pretty backdrop. Corruption and self-congratulation among Sadducees and Pharisees did not glorify the Lord. Racism and ethnic segregation did not establish the right relationship with God.
But He still loved His creation; He still sent His Son.
Jesus did the works of the Father. And He challenged those who rejected Him to “believe the works”. He urged His disciples to distinguish true teaching from false teaching by examining the fruits.
The Christmas carol that begins by proclaiming, "Joy to the world!" concludes by pointing to the fruits of the coming of the King of glory. He does not rule the world with oppression and brute force. He rules "with truth and grace". As a consequence, those of all nations who elevate Him demonstrate the glory of right relationships, right hearts, right speech, and right actions.
And the final fruit in the last verse is joy and wonder for His love.