Are You Prepared...to Wait
Advent - Are You Prepared? • Sermon • Submitted
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· 3 viewsGod often calls us to wait. We are waiting right now for Christ's return. Messiah may be different than we expect
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A couple of years ago, my dad took me aside. He took me into his closet and showed me where all of his documents are kept. He showed me some financial statements (that I didn’t really want to see). He told me he would be showing my two brothers the same things so we’d all know. I knew why he was doing it, but he explained anyway...
He wanted us to be prepared for his eventual death and the nightmare of paperwork that would follow. He knows that people often fight and families sometimes fall apart often when someone dies, and he was trying to prevent that if possible by giving us as much information as possible.
When a loved one dies, we’re surrounded by uncertainty. Even the ordinary can become disorienting because (in general) other people bring stability and predictability into our chaotic lives.
In Matthew’s Gospel this morning, we see John facing the end of his life. He’s been imprisoned for speaking out against Herod’s um—mating decisions. He’s been incarcerated long enough, it seems like the end is likely near, and he’s questioning his life.
“I’m in prison for speaking out against immorality. My cousin is the Messiah, but hasn’t done anything to help me. Wait! IS he Messiah? Maybe I’ve misread everything. Maybe I’m all wrong! Maybe my whole life has been wasted sending people to this guy!”
(Wesleyan Bible Commentary Mt–Ac):
[John] had introduced Jesus as the Messiah. Doubtless he expected Him quickly to vanquish the enemy (the Romans) and set up His own kingdom, ruling the world in righteousness. But nothing like this was happening.
Faith tested, patience exhausted, John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask if He were truly [the expected one].
As much as we want this not to be true, God does not operate on our timetable ... nor on our playing field. He doesn’t play by our rules, and his deliverance often takes quite an unexpected vision.
Another of today’s Lectionary readings is Mary’s Magnificat. When she hears that she (although a virgin) will give birth to the Messiah, her response is a magnificent version of, “OK. Let me praise my God for that!” Then, she has to wait 9 months to meet the Messiah she’s carrying. Can you imagine that level of anticipation? I wonder how often she doubted the angel’s words during that 9 month wait.
I’ve told the story before about how Annette and I got together. We were both dating other people and fiercely loyal to our integrity. As we prayed, God told us unexpected news ... so we didn’t believe him. Eventually, he placed us together in such a way that even an idiot like me couldn’t deny it.
Messiah was supposed to overthrow the Jews’ oppressors - The Romans. Messiah was supposed to establish God’s Kingdom - an earthly kingdom - in Jerusalem. Israel was supposed to be the most powerful nation on Earth.
Jesus fulfilled the prophesies ... but he didn’t fulfill their expectations. And they had to wait until he was ready to reveal himself to the world...just like we’re waiting now.
This series started with the question, “Are you prepared - for Christ’s return?” It’s easy to believe it won’t happen in my lifetime. It hasn’t happened in 2000+ years, so why not another 40 or so more?
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.
You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
[consider walking out for 60 seconds]
8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
[consider walking out for 60 seconds]
Nobody likes waiting! I don’t want to wait! It stirs high emotions, and waiting can make us question the most basic beliefs we’ve held our entire lives.
When our kids were young and we had to tell them “No” to something they wanted or wanted to do, I was the master of distraction. I’d use a funny voice or ask a question about something they cared about or suggest we do something else. Maybe a distraction would help us as we wait: Last week, I asked “Are you prepared - for the Kingdom,” and we talked about the Kingdom of God being both a heavenly, eternal kingdom AND a present reality. If you have trouble waiting, spend your time working to bring about God’s Kingdom. Along those same lines, James gives us instructions as we wait:
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
As we wait for his return, and the culmination of God’s eternal Kingdom, let’s not fight against each other. The author of Hebrews says:
[NASB95]
9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
As we wait for his return, and the culmination of God’s eternal Kingdom, let’s not fight against each other. The author of Hebrews says:
“... [encourage] one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
As we wait for his return, and the culmination of God’s eternal Kingdom, let’s not fight against each other. The author of Hebrews says: “... [encourage] one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” ( (NASB))
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 10
encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 10
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 10
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Are you prepared ... to wait?
“... [encourage] one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” ( (NASB))
Are you prepared ... to wait?