Romans 5:6 lets us know that "while we were utterly helpless Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners." We could discuss why the "at just the right time" part was in that comment- many people do. Historians and theologians have discussed the matter. Some have concluded that it was a perfect time for getting the word out because of the pax Romana- the mobility of people throughout the empire. Others have suggested that it was a marvelous time because there was a convergence of religious competition in Israel and a general openness to new ideas in the Roman world that provided an unusual receptivity. Still others have offered that it was the right time because the fullness of sin had come making the coming of Christ at a time when the light contrasted most with darkness. And others have suggested that there was a universal language, making the spread of the gospel most feasible. There are other options offered with good logic.
What is noticeable, however, is that perhaps no one at the time was viewing Christ’s coming as just the right time. I doubt that anyone was commenting on the brilliance of the advent due to the pax Romana or the common language. They were in the midst of their own political stew and economic and social struggles. But, if it was the right time for human history for sinners, it certainly could have been at any time for that, since the world was full of sinners at all times before and after Jesus actually came. If it was the right time in human history, it certainly wouldn’t have hurt for Jesus to live and move around the world more than thirty some years (only three conspicuous years) during that "just right time". Several more years would have anchored his message. The truth of the matter is that Paul was influenced by his present circumstances- what he saw and heard and experienced- when he penned those inspired words. But, others at other times might have well suggested that their day would have been a good time for God to show up in the flesh.
I have said all of this to say, theologians and historians have the luxury of being "after the fact armchair quarterbacks" with great rationale as to why this or that time is best. However, when the fur is flying, most of us would say that our present, pressing circumstances are most needful of God’s attention- of God showing up. I want the reader to know that I certainly am in agreement that Christ came at just the right time. I don’t dispute that. I even agree with the fine arguments offered by the experts. I just would wonder if I was one of the Israelites taken to Babylon that I might not say, "Now would be good." Or, if I was living during the day of Nehemiah when faithfulness and leadership were lacking and sin was keeping many good people down that "God could show up in the flesh and I would be happy."
But, Jesus came when he came. I’m glad he did. It may have made little sense at the time. It may have made better sense to others living at other times. But, Jesus came when he came and I believe it was at just the right time.
The same is true with how the Holy Spirit manifests his presence, when the miracles of God come, how and when God provides strength. It might not make sense until he comes, until it comes. Only then does it makes perfect sense. I am a strong proponent of the impeccable nature of God’s timing. Whether it is the perfect knowledge of hindsight or the wisdom that comes with the lessons learned along the way, those of us who wait for the Lord, find whatever he does is worth waiting for. His timing is impeccable.