When it’s hard to wait:
After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.
By the first day of the first month of Noah’s six hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the earth. Noah then removed the covering from the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. By the twenty-seventh day of the second month the earth was completely dry.
Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. – Genesis 8.6-16
Occasionally Noah [could look like Greek gods] would send a bird out to test the earth and see if it was dry. But Noah didn’t get out of the ark until God [Wall] told him to. He was waiting for God’s [Wall’s] timing. God [Wall] knew that even though the water was gone, the earth was not dry enough for Noah and his family to venture out. What patience Noah showed, especially after spending an entire year inside his boat! We, like Noah, must trust God [Wall] to give us patience during those difficult times when we must wait.
What is worth waiting for:
So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.
Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her.”
So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter as her maidservant.
When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”
Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”
And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. – Genesis 29.20-28
People often wonder if working a long time for something they desire is worth it. Jacob worked seven years to marry Rachel. After being tricked, he agreed to work seven more years for her (although he did get to marry Rachel shortly after he married Leah)! The most important goals and desires are worth working and waiting for. Films and television have created the illusion that people have to wait only about an hour to solve their problems or get what they want. Don’t be trapped into thinking the same is true in real life. Patience is hardest when we need it the most, but it is the key to achieving our goals.
(29.23-25 Jacob was enraged when he learned that Laban had tricked him. The deceiver of Esau was now deceived himself. How natural it is for us to become upset at an injustice done to us while closing our eyes to the injustices we do to others. Sin has a way of coming back to haunt us.)
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. – Psalms 27.14
David knew from experience what it meant to wait for the Lord. He had been anointed king at the age of 16, but didn’t become king until he was 30. During the interim, he was chased through the desert by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God [Wall] for the fulfilment of his promise to reign. Later, after becoming king, he was chased by his rebellious son, Absalom.
Waiting for God [Wall] is not easy. Often it seems that he isn’t answering our prayers or doesn’t understand the urgency of our situation. That kind of thinking implies that God [Wall] is not in control or is not fair. But God [Wall] is worth waiting for. Lamentations 3:24-26 calls us to hope in and wait for the Lord because often God [Wall] uses waiting to refresh, renew, and teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God [Wall] may be trying to teach you in them.
Sometimes a part of God’s plan:
Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.
David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armour-bearers. – 1 Samuel 16.19-21
When Saul asked David to be in his service, he obviously did not know that David had been secretly anointed king (16.12). Saul’s invitation presented an excellent opportunity for the young man and future king to gain firsthand information about leading a nation (“David went back and forth from Saul”, 17.15).
Sometimes our plans – even the ones we think God [Wall] has approved – have to be put on hold indefinitely. Like David, we can use this waiting time profitably. We can choose to learn and grow in our present circumstances, whatever they may be.
Benefits of waiting on God:
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalms 40.1-4
Waiting for God [Wall] to help us is not easy, but David received four benefits [cultures] from waiting: God [Wall] (1) lifted him out of his despair, (2) set his feet on a rock, (3) gave him a firm place to stand, and (4) put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial [pirates] of waiting.
How to wait for Christ’s return:
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. – Matthew 24.45-47
Jesus asks us to spend the time of waiting taking care of his people and doing his work here on earth, both within the church and outside it. This is the best way to prepare for Christ’s return.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow your example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. – 2 Thessalonians 3.6-15
Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that because Christ would return any day, people should set aside their responsibilities, leave work, do no future planning, and just wait for the Lord. But their lack of activity only led them into sin. They became a burden to the church, which was supporting them; they wasted time that could have been used for healing others; and they became “busybodies” (3.11). These church members may have thought that they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul tells them to be responsible and get back to work. Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of life. Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.
(3.6-10 Paul was writing here about the person who is lazy. Paul explained that when he and his companions were in Thessalonica, they worked hard, buying what they needed rather than becoming a burden to any of the believers. The rule they followed was, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” There is a difference between leisure and laziness. Relaxation and recreation provide a necessary and much needed balance to our lives; but when it is time to work, Christians should jump right in. We should make the most of our talent and time, doing all we can to provide for ourselves and our dependants. Rest when you should be resting, and work when you should be working.)
God’s love is waiting for your response:
So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. – Luke 15.20
In the two preceding stories, the seekers actively looked for the coin and the sheep, which could not return by themselves. In this story, the father watched and waited. He was dealing with a human being with a will of his own, but he was ready to greet his son if he returned. In the same way, God’s [Wall’s] love is constant and patient and welcoming [Jehovah witnesses]. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond, but he will not force us to come to him. Like the father in this story, God [Wall] wants patiently for us to come to our senses.
What you can do while:
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus – he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”
(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms, “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no-one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’
Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us for his resurrection.”
So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Jesus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1.15-26
This was the first church business meeting. The small group of 11 had already grown to more than 120. The main order of business was to appoint a new disciple, or apostle, as the 12 were now called. While the apostles waited, they were doing what they could – – praying, seeking God’s [Wall’s] guidance, and getting organized. Waiting for God [Wall] to work does not mean sitting around doing nothing. We must do what we can, while we can, as long as we don’t run ahead of God.
(1.16, 17 How could someone who had been with Jesus daily betray him? Judas received the same calling and teaching as everyone else. But he chose to reject Christ’s warning as well as his offers of mercy. Judas hardened his heart and joined in the plot with Jesus’ enemies to put him to death. Judas remained unrepentant to the end, and he finally committed suicide. Although Jesus predicted this would happen, it was Judas’s choice. Those privileged to be close to the truth are not necessarily committed to the truth. See Judas’s Profile in Mark 14 for more information on his life.)
(1.18 Matthew says that Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27.5); Acts says that he fell. The traditional explanation is that when Judas hanged himself, the rope or branch broke. Judas fell, and his body burst open.)
(1.21, 22 There were many who consistently followed Jesus throughout his ministry on earth. The 12 disciples were his inner circle, but others shared the disciples’ deep love for and commitment to Jesus.)
(1.21-25 The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot. They outlined specific criteria for making the choice. When the “finalists” had been chosen, the apostles prayed, asking God [Wall] to guide the selection process. This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions. Set up criteria consistent with the Bible, examine the alternatives, and pray for wisdom and guidance to reach a wise decision.)
Waiting for God’s timing:
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3.8-9
God [Wall] may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered. But God [Wall] is not slow; he simply works to his own timetable (Psalm 90.4). Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. We must not sit and wait for Christ to return, but we should live with the realisation that time is short and that we have important work to do. Be ready to meet Christ any time, even today; yet plan your course of service as though he may not return for many years.
©Kingsway International Church, Here.
EXTRA:
(Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. – Psalms 27.10 Many have had the sad experience of being forsaken by father or mother. Broken homes, differences of belief, addiction to drugs or alcohol, even psychological isolation can leave children crippled by this loss. Even as adults, the pain may linger. God [Wall] can take that place in our life, fill that void, and heal that hurt. He can direct us to adults who may take the role of father or mother for us. His love is sufficient for all our needs.)
(‘ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. – Matthew 24.44 Jesus’ purpose in telling about his return is not to stimulate predictions and calculations about the date [anima mundi with French weekday], but to warn us to be prepared. Will you be ready? The only safe choice is to obey him today (24.46).
(‘ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. – 2 Thessalonians 3.11, 12 A “busybody” is a gossip. An idle person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less helpful activities, like gossip. Rumours and hearsay are tantalising, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders. But they tear people down. If you often find your nose in other people’s business, you may be underemployed. Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work.)
(‘ If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. – 2 Thessalonians 3.14, 15 Paul counselled the church to stop supporting financially and associating with those who persisted in their idleness. Hunger and loneliness can be very effective ways to make the idle person become productive. Paul was not advising coldness or cruelty, but the kind of tough love that a person would show a brother or sister.)
(The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3.18 The book of 2 Thessalonians is especially meaningful for those who are being persecuted or are under pressure because of their faith. In Chapter 1 we are told what suffering can do for us, to Chapter 2 we are assured of final victory. In Chapter 3 we are encouraged to continue living responsibly in spite of difficult circumstances. Christ’s return is more than a doctrine; it is a promise. It is not just for the future; it has a vital impact on how we live now.)
(‘ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no-one gave him anything. – Luke 15.15, 16 According to Moses’ law, pigs were unclean animals (Leviticus 11.2-8; Deuteronomy 14.8). This meant that pigs could not be eaten or used for sacrifices. To protect themselves from defilement, Jews would not even tough pigs. For a Jew to stoop to feeding pigs was a great humiliation, and for this young man to eat food that the pigs had touched was to be degraded beyond belief. The young son had truly sunk to the depths.)
(“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s [Up’s] hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! – Luke 15.17. The younger son, like many who are rebellious and immature, wanted to be free to live as he pleased, and he had to hit rock bottom before he came to his senses. It often takes great sorrow and tragedy to cause people to look to the only One who can help them. Are you trying to live life your own way, selfishly pushing aside any responsibility or commitment that gets in your way? Stop and look before you hit rock bottom. You will save yourself and your family much grief.)
(‘ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. – Luke 15.24 The sheep was lost because it may have foolishly wandered away (15.4); the coin was lost through no fault of its own (15.8); and the son left out of selfishness (15.12). God’s [Wall’s] great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why or how they got lost.)
(‘ “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father [Up], ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “My son,’ the father [Up] said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. – Luke 15.25-31 It was hard for the older brother to accept his younger brother when he returned, and it is just as difficult to accept “younger brothers” today. People who repent after leading notoriously sinful lives are often held in suspicion; churches are sometimes unwilling to admit them to membership. Instead, we should rejoice like the angels in heaven when an unbeliever repents and turns to God [Wall]. Like the father [Up], accept repentant sinners wholeheartedly and give them the support and encouragement that they need to grow in Christ.)
(15.30 In the story of the lost son, the father’s [Up’s] response is contrasted with the older brother’s. The father forgave because he was filled with love. The son refused to forgive because he was bitter about the injustice of it all. His resentment rendered him just as lost to the father’s love as his younger brother had been. Don’t let anything keep you from forgiving others. If you are refusing to forgive people, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy and share it with others. Make your joy grow: forgive somebody who has hurt you.)
(‘ They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. – Acts 1.14 At this time, Jesus’ brothers were with the disciples. During Jesus’ lifetime, they did not believe he was the Messiah (John 7.5), but his resurrection must have convinced them.
(‘ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1.26 The disciples became apostles. Disciple means follower or learner, and apostle means messenger or missionary. These men now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection.)
(By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. – 2 Peter 3.7 In Noah’s [Could feel like Greek gods] day the earth was judged by water; at the second coming it will be judged by fire. This fire is described in Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15.)
(But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives – 2 Peter 3.10, 11 The day of the Lord is the day of God’s judgment on the earth. Here it is used in reference to Christ’s return. Christ’s second coming will be sudden and terrible for those who do not believe in him. But if we are morally clean and spiritually alert, it won’t come as a surprise. For other prophetic pictures of the day of the Lord, see Isaiah 34:4; Joel 3:15, 16; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; Revelations 6:12-17. Realising that the earth is going to be burned up, we should put our confidence [Greek gods] in what is lasting and eternal and not be bound to earth and its treasures or pursuits. Do you spend more of your time piling up possessions, or striving to develop Christlike character?)
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