Waiting

                                     



For thousand of years Israel awaited her Messiah.  The prophecies were all there, pointing to the One who would save them.  Many looked earnestly, praying for fulfillment of the promise.  Luke 2:25-26 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 

My heart quickened as I listened to Sunday's teaching and the Lord's question popped into my head, "Are you awaiting my return as earnestly?"  Hmmm...not so much.   That Promise kind of gets lost in the bustle and hurry of the everyday.  You know, I kind of  think of it from time to time.  And when things seem to be at their worst, I wish for it....but the joyful hope of deliverance and reunion that His return will bring....I guess I just don't think about it all that much.

But yet the Lord's promises are for us today.  A deliverer, a savior, a mighty king will return to claim His bride, the church.  In this world of violence, a place that is becoming increasingly hostile to the name of Jesus Christ, where the darkness seems to be overcoming the light, we hold on to the Promise, and we are to eagerly, hopefully, and with excitement, await His return.  Looking each day...Is today the day?!  And return He will.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.  For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman.  And they shall not escape.  But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.  You are all sons of light and sons of the day.  We are not of the night nor of darkness.  Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.  ANTICIPATION AND WATCHFULNESS

1 Thessalonians 4:16  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord!  JOYFUL EXPECTATION.

As the night seems to close in around us, these promises are our light.  They give us hope when the darkness seems to be winning.  God has already written the final chapter...and I've read the end of the book...HE WINS!!!   Lord, I eagerly await Your return.  I look for You, for Your deliverance.  Help us to hold onto that FACT.

Revelation 22:20  He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly."  Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!