EAGER ANTICIPATION

By: Dennis Harworth

Early in our relationship, before we were married, my wife and I were not able to spend much time together during the week.  I worked nights and she worked days; which made it extremely difficult for both of us emotionally.  We longed to spend time with each other, even if it was just for a few minutes.  Since this was years before smart phones and text messaging, our communication with each other was also limited to a very short time on the land-line phone.

There was one day each week, however, she would leave work right at 5:00 pm and drive to my house.  (I so looked forward to that day of the week!)  Since I had to be at work at 6:00 pm, every second counted.  Before she arrived, I would get completely ready for work; make sure the house was thoroughly cleaned; and I would have the microwaved dinner on the table with the candles lit.  Then, with such eager anticipation, I would expectantly wait at the window, hoping she would pull into the driveway at any moment.  Sometimes it seemed like forever until she got there, but it was so worth the wait.  We would cherish those few moments together before I rushed off to my job and she would return to her house. 

The Lord used this scenario with my future bride to show me three amazing truths.  It was through this eager anticipation I felt waiting for her to arrive, that I realized I should be even more excited about the promise of His return.  First of all, Jesus is coming back soon.  We are to be looking (expectantly waiting) for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13). 

Second, time is short.  Every major prophecy leading up to the Rapture of the Church has already been fulfilled.  We can easily see certain signs that His coming is soon approaching.  The world news reads like a cross reference to Matthew 24 and Luke 21.  So, live wisely and make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. (Colossians 4:5; Ephesians 5:16).

Finally, be ready or be left behind.  Everyone who has the hope of His return purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:3).  In order to be ready, we should live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present world. (Titus 2:12).  This way we will not only be confidently ready when Jesus comes, we will also enjoy every second that righteous living brings in the meantime.  It is absolutely so worth the effort and well worth the wait of good things to come! 

While we wait, we can enjoy the many rewards and blessings of living a life of godliness in preparation for the Blessed Hope.  Therefore, since we know that the Lord will fulfill each and every promise, including His soon return, we can confidently continue to live life in EAGER ANTICIPATION.