Day 5 of 40-Day devotional Journey to the Cross focuses on the journey’s definite beginnings. Until now, we have focused on the planning stage, but the time comes when the plans are done and the conditions are right for the trip to begin.

As we look at Jesus’s journey to the cross, it began by Him stepping out of the heavenly realm and entering into His own creation here on earth.

So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of this world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:3-5

Patience is necessary to leave on a trip. Most of us cannot just hop on a plane or jump in our car and leave for an unknown destination. We have to save up the right amount of money, We have to plan to allow enough time. In our excitement we might want to leave sooner, or if we are fearful of the journey, we might delay and then leave too late.

God planned that Jesus would come to earth at just the right time. Many scholars have pointed out that Roman roads and their method of execution were exactly what was needed to make the sacrifice of Jesus perfect and allow the perfect conditions for the spreading of the gospel. Here is what is important: The timing of earth’s first Christmas was no accident. It happened exactly when God wanted it to happen.

In John 2, Jesus spoke of the necessity of proper timing. He was attending a wedding in Cana in the region of Galilee, along with Mary His mother, and His disciples. But the host had not planned properly and the wine ran out early. Mary knew her Son could do something about this embarrassing situation and asked Jesus to help out. His response to her is interesting:

John 2:4 “And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.””

Yet despite this statement, He did as He was asked. He honored His mother’s request and transformed water into wine. John notes that this was the beginning of the signs that Jesus did to demonstrate His glory. Because of this miracle, His disciples believed in Him (Jn 2:11).

The beginning of a journey is important. Jesus was not conceived in Mary’s womb one moment too early or one second too late. Christ Jesus came right on time to save you from your sin. At the exact right moment. God entered into His own creation to rescue you. With patience and great wisdom, our Heavenly Father sent Jesus to deliver the gift of eternal life at just the right time.

Today, a few minutes to read fully the account of Jesus’s first recorded miracle in John 2:1-11. As you pray, thank God for His patience and for His deliverance from your accumulated sin through His Son Jesus Christ.

Sorry for the late post today. Come back tomorrow for Day 6. If you haven’t already, join the Facebook conversation and let me know how I can be praying for you this week.