Anticipation

Today Greg starts his driver’s training classes. He’s all excited as this is the final step until he can finally take the driving test and get his license to drive. While he has anticipated the coming of this day, he has not just been idly waiting. Greg has been instructed by mom and dad on how to be a safe driver and has many miles of practice under our watchful eye. Driver’s ed will reinforce lessons he has already learned.

As believers we too are looking forward with anticipation. Like Greg we may sometimes wonder if it will ever get here. But while we wait we are not just to sit on our hands and do nothing. We must be ready for that day.

• [7] Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. [8] Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
  James 5:7-8 (MsgB)

My dad grew up on a farm; he often told me about starting work before sunrise, going to school and then doing chores after school. The work was never done.

Farmers don’t just sit on the front porch with an ice tea and wait for the harvest. They are busy everyday preparing for the day when their crops are ripe and ready. If the farmer does not do the necessary work to prepare for the harvest then when the time comes the crops will rot in the fields.

As Christians we too have much to do as we wait patiently for the Lord’s return. Like the farmer we live by faith looking forward to a day of reward, but the prize is only given to those who do the work required to receive it. Perhaps you’re wondering what work we should do as we wait for that day.

1. We must do the work of an evangelist; to bring in God’s harvest so that others are saved.*
2. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling to live a holy life free from sin and pleasing to God.*
3. We must do the good works God put on our ‘to do list’ which He has equipped and empowered us to do.*

Let’s remember that our work for the Lord is never in vain.** What does God have for you to do today as you wait for His coming? Let’s get off our hands and do it.
* [1] 2 Timothy 4:5 [2] Philippians 2:12 [3] Ephesians 2:10
**1 Corinthians 15:58