The strain of waiting and anticipating

Scripture Read: Rom 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Application: What a combinatio of thought – TO wait …. Eagerly – one holding back, the other pushing forward to see. This is what is being communicated here. Consider …

Wait Eagerly - ἀπεκδέχομαι apekdéchomai; to expect, look for. To wait for, used as a suitable expression for the Christian’s hope which includes the two elements of hope and patience (Rom. 8:25). In Rom. 8:23 the obj. of this fut. expectation is the huiothesía, the adoption, as will be realized in the redemption of the body (Rom. 8:19; 1 Cor. 1:7; Gal. 5:5; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 9:28 [cf. 1 Pet. 3:20]).^[1] In the NT Paul has apekdéchomai for expectation of the end (Rom. 8:25). This expectation is focused on the transformation when the adoption enjoyed by faith will be manifested with the resurrection (8:14, 23) and creation will reach the goal for which it, too, is waiting (8:19). This consummation will come with Christ’s return, so that Christ himself is the content of expectation (Phil. 3:20). He is so as the hope of righteousness (Gal. 5:5). On the basis of the gospel that is already received (cf. déchomai), apekdéchomai thus characterizes Christian life as one of expectation of the great climax which gives not only this life but also the whole of creation its meaning.^[2]

After doing a quick word study of “wait” both in the Hebrew and Greek there is a clear context to the meaning of this word – It carries with it the idea of humbling yourself, being patient, and having an anticipation. This word is complex in it’s depth and processing. The emotions felt here in some ways conflict with each other yet also compliment each other. It is humbling to put your timing on hold and wait on someone else’s timing – in this case God’s. It requires patience to be on someone else’s time table – in the midst of all this emotional restraint is the anxious emotions that drive anticipation. To process this can be quite confusing. We are telling our emotions to cool it while at the same time we want our emotions to get excited about what is about to take place! Yet this complex mixture of emotion is essential for us to keep our focus on what You want us to Lord. We need to see that You will return in Your time and we should be about the business that any ambassador would be doing – preparing for Your arrival. We do that, not by selling our stuff, moving to the mountains and sit around waiting for You. If we are focused we are using our days to pray for and live like Christ in front of those that still have not embraced the relationship You are offering them. Meanwhile, at the same time, in our heart a longing anticipation to be with You is growing. This keeps us ready for Your return which places the edge we need to live in this evil world. Those that think they have plenty of time often fall victim to the rationalization sin will afford them. They do not live close to You and can become shipwrecked in their faith. Father we want to wait for You in a way that glorifies You. If we are not careful we can either be frustrated with Your timing or become complacent drifting away from You and we lose the anticipation of seeing You move at Your perfect time. Holy Spirit help us learn the balance!  

* Meditation Questions: Do you look forward to rapture to get away from this world or to be with Him? Can it be both? If so how should it be split? Are you backing into heaven (away from hell) or are you running toward it? (Toward Jesus) Are you living everyday hoping He comes back that day? What does that say?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1995). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (147). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.