WAITING
The Word of God can often give us understanding of words and concepts that is more complete than a definition alone. So, creating an acronym-based mnemonic, let’s expand on this word – W A I T I N G – one letter at a time, in the context of the Word.
Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), tells us of Jesus’ parable of the watchful servants (Luke 12:35-40). While their master was away, they awaited his return with anticipation as they continued in faithful service – and Jesus said “blessed are those who are found doing so” when He returns. There are two sides to this for Jesus’ followers. On one hand, we are not to be lax or careless but diligent in continuing the work He calls us to each day. At the same time, we must lovingly and courageously stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). And how are we to do this? In devotion to prayer and thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
There is one sense in which wakefulness directly relates to watchfulness. But there’s more!
When we find ourselves awake in the night, rather than merely waiting to doze off again, we can purpose to meditate on God’s promises (Psalm 119:148). Reflecting on how precious and immeasurable God’s thoughts are appears to be an acknowledged practice for drifting off into the nether-realms of sleep – awakening again to find ourselves in the presence of the LORD (Psalm 139:17-18). Indeed, when we awaken each day, it is by God’s sustaining hand (Psalm 3:5).
Both to the Romans and to the Ephesians, in emphasizing the focus we need to have on living in the law of love and denying self, Paul calls us to awake from our spiritual sleep (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14) to bask in the salvation and light of our Savior.
From the poetry of creation in Genesis to the exquisitely detailed beauty of the tabernacle in Exodus to the reflections all throughout the Scriptures on the majesty and wonder and power and design of creation, we cannot help but see the working of our God with understanding and purpose in all He does – and He calls us to do no less. Throughout Jesus ministry on earth, He demonstrated disciplined purpose drawn from continual understanding of the Father’s will – and we see this especially as He headed for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-53) where it would all come to that perfectly pivotal pinnacle of fulfillment. And it is this that He calls us to as his disciples (Luke 14:26-33) – something that Paul understood well (Acts 20:24).
Whenever addressing or responding to the circumstances of life, being tactful is invaluable. The young King Solomon, soon after ascending to the throne of his father David, recognized he needed no less than the discernment and understanding of God in order to govern His people (1 Kings 3:9-12). No doubt he knew well the wisdom and discernment God blessed Joseph with (Genesis 41:39) to rule all of Egypt and ultimately save his family along with Egypt from famine.
Both of these and many others exemplified that with which Solomon begins his writings of wisdom and insight, that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). It’s no wonder that Paul makes the urgent plea that we offer ourselves in humble worship as living sacrifices to God – rejecting the formation of this world for the transforming discernment of the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
When we hear investment, we are most likely to think of a commitment of resources (aka cash) for the sake of, or at least in hope of, a favorable return. But from a biblical perspective, the resource being committed is our very self in exchange for all the graces of God.
From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, when Adam & Eve had fallen into sin and came face to face with death, God made the sacrificial invest-ment to mercifully clothe their naked mortality (Genesis 3:21). Clothing and its symbolism are prominent all throughout history and culture – and the record of Scripture says no less. We see this especially in the detail given by God for the priestly attire (Exodus 28). As we move further into the history of Israel, we see the work of God to clothe (in-vest/in-Spirit) chosen leaders with His Spirit (Judges 6:34; 1 Chronicles 12:18; 2 Chronicles 24:20).
As Jesus began his ministry He declared His investment (anointing) with the Spirit of the Lord as He read from which concludes with great joy at being clothed with the garments of salvation and the robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). And at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, it is the Church, the Bride of Christ, who is clothed in the fine linen of the righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:8).
From the first breaths of creation (Genesis 1:30) to the very breath of life flowing from God into the lungs of Adam (Genesis 2:7), the nascent story of God reveals His-story for us. Genesis is inherently nascent and the revelation never stops. Story upon story, new lives and legacies and prophecies come into being: Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham & Sarah, David, Mary & Joseph… and then, the Advent of Jesus the Messiah! Not only do we have the life of Jesus revealing the plan of salvation for all creation, His death and resurrection reveal the death of death and the life eternal for all who will believe!
…and that is but the beginning, for by the Spirit of Jesus, we are being made new (2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:10) and who we are becoming, will one day be revealed (1 John 3:2) – one perfectly glorious day!
Grateful to be waiting?! Yes!
Ok… there is waiting that just leaves us crying out: “How long, O Lord?! How Long?” (Psalm 90:13; Revelation 6:10) But even this is expressed in humility.
Back to grateful waiting in a moment… but first, ungrateful dishonor toward God is that which Paul tells us begins the downward spiral of humanity into every form of sin and depravity (Romans 1:18-32).
Ultimately, our joy in this journey will be born of humble gratitude as we recognize and acknowledge our unworthiness to receive this wondrous love of God! We see this first expressed by Jacob (Genesis 32:10) and this attitude was a hallmark of King David’s relationship with the LORD (2 Samuel 7:18; 1 Chronicles 29:14), taught by Jesus (Luke 17:10), and intimated by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:9).
As I said at the start, this is a personal journey… a life-long journey of body, mind, and soul that will require all our strength (Mark 12:30-31)… every day from now into eternity when we will fully become like our Lord Jesus, for we will fully behold Him just as He is (1 John 3:2).