How much longer until its Christmas? When my children were little, they asked this question repeatedly. Although we used a daily Advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas, they still found the waiting excruciating.
We can easily recognize a childs struggle with waiting, but we might underestimate the challenge it can involve for all of Gods people. Consider, for instance, those who received the message of the prophet Micah, who promised that out of Bethlehem would come a ruler over Israel (5:2) who would stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord (v. 4). The initial fulfillment of this prophecy came when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1) after the people had waited some 700 years. But some of the prophecys fulfillment is yet to come. For we wait in hope for the return of Jesus, when all of Gods people will live securely and his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth (Mic. 5:4). Then we will rejoice greatly, for our long wait will be over.
Most of us dont find waiting easy, but we can trust that God will honor His promises to be with us as we wait (Matt. 28:20). For when Jesus was born in little Bethlehem, He ushered in life in all its fullness (see John 10:10)life without condemnation. We enjoy His presence with us today while we eagerly wait for His return.
INSIGHT
Christs second coming is also the theme of several New Testament passages. As Christ ascended into heaven, the angels told His disciples that Christ will come back in the same way they saw Him go (Acts 1:11). Jesus said His return would be unannounced and could occur at any moment; therefore, we are to Be on guard! Be alert! (Mark 13:3337). The early Christians believed that Jesuss return was almost here (Rom. 13:1114). The apostle James encouraged believers to be patient and stand firm, because the Lords coming is near (James 5:8; see also Rev. 1:3). The anticipation that Jesus could come any moment led some Christians in Thessalonica to become idle, quitting their jobs and waiting for Him to return. But Paul told them to get back to work and live meaningful lives (2 Thess. 3:1113).
While we [patiently] wait for the blessed hope (Titus 2:13)that wonderful day of Jesuss returnwe can ask the Spirit to help us to live holy and godly lives . . . spotless, blameless and at peace with him (2 Peter 3:11, 14).
In what ways can you enjoy Gods presence today as you wait for Jesuss return?