At The Right Time

             You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

            In terms of Advent, this week focuses on joy. Both the verse in my devotional and the Biblegateway.com verse include the words “Do not fear.” They go on to say that they have good news. And my mind fills with memories of videos of people trying to help animals that are trapped or injured. The animals struggle and try to defend themselves. Sometimes, even once an animal is rescued, it may attack the humans who are trying to help it. I think of my dog, Grace, who hurt her foot twice on our walk today, and who has stepped on countless sand burrs. She’s lived with me for almost nine years but she still snaps and growls when I try to touch the hurting paw. No one could touch my previous Shiba, Honey, unless they had her attention first, and even then, only two people could.

            It doesn’t seem surprising to me, then, that people should react with fear and even distrust when they encounter God or one of His messengers. We can’t believe they want to help us, especially if that helping requires their restraining us. Sure, that wire may be around our throats, but the One reaching for us just added stress. And just because we believe and claim to trust Him doesn’t really help.

            I watched a video of a man trying to help a swan. He paddled after the swan (which couldn’t fly) until it was too tired to keep going and effectively trapped itself in some bushes. I’ve also heard that until a drowning victim stops struggling, it’s dangerous to all concerned to try to save them. Logic doesn’t matter. The world has narrowed to the pain or the fear. But at the right time, God came to save us, and at the right time, He still does.