Born Of A Woman

Born of a Woman

Eve took to heart God’s promise that her offspring would crush the offspring of the serpent, so that even though childbearing would involve pain, it would also bring hope: “Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, ‘With the LORD’s help, I have produced a man!’” (Genesis 4:1).

Eve recognized divine help in conception and hoped that this son would be the offspring spoken of by God. She hoped that Cain—her gift from God—would rise up and crush the serpent, putting an end to the miseries of the Curse.

But it was not to be. God did not accomplish his redemptive plan in Eve’s generation. Cain inherited the sinful nature of his parents, making it obvious he was not the promised offspring. And so, with every successive generation, each mother hoped that her son would be the one. Generations came and went—many births and deaths—with still no promised seed. “All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it” (Hebrews 11:13). The people and even the prophets “wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward” (1 Peter 1:11).

Finally the time came, the right moment in human history, according to God’s providential direction and preparation of peoples and nations. “When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law” (Galatians 4:4). Jesus stepped out of eternity to bind himself in time and history, to enfold his glory into the womb of a woman.

As he began his ministry Jesus announced, “The time promised by God has come at last! . . . The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15). Finally, the offspring of the woman had been born. He was the One and this was the time when the miserable curse would be broken. He would be bruised, but through him all sons and daughters of Eve who turn to him in faith will be blessed.

Lord of time, you are directing history to accomplish your redemptive purposes in the world and in my little life. So I can trust your timing. I can wait for you to fulfill your promises. You will not be slow.