Most of us do not like to wait, especially in our mostly "instant" society. Advent, though, is all about waiting for the Messiah to be born, looking forward eagerly to Jesus' birthday. Concurrently, as Christians, our resplendent walk is about walking by faith, in all of the year's seaons. Today's Scriptures are Genesis 15:1-6, Luke 2:25-38 and Psalm 18:30.
Abram was the earlier name of Abraham. He lived in a land called Ur, among the Chaldeans. God called Abram out of that land and in Genesis 15 made him a tremendous promise, one which flew in the face of reason.
1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." 2 But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." 4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." 5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Abram had no trouble believing God when this promise, this agreement, this covenant was made - - - a covenant initiated by God and agreed to by Abraham. But, as time went on, he and his wife got older and older, with no "heir apparent". No baby boy was appearing on the scene, to be the start of those "descendants who cannot be numbered". Later on in his life, Abraham began to doubt the goodness of God, the truth of God, because of his life circumstances. Have you "been there"?
Similarly, the Jews of Jesus' day had heard nothing but "God silence" for about 400 years....no prophets, only aseemingly endless, tiresome parade of false messiahs...until John the Baptist came on the scene. Many of the Jews had begun to doubt in the face of their circumstances, namely, being subject to the Romans. However, the gospel account of Luke (who was extremely diligent about interviewing eyewitnesses), records two faithful Jews who had tremendous faith that God's promise of Messiah would come. Luke 2:25-38 - - -
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna, what giants of faith! In a day of tremendous doubting and, yes, even great apostasy, they were found in "the waiting room", seeking God, being faithful. Not sitting and waiting, but instead, watching, working, worshipping and waiting! As such, they are role models for us as we wait on God's promises in our own lives. As a result of their faith, God allowed them to see His Christ, the Messiah, the Promised One.
Oh, don't tell me it is difficult to believe God's promises. How well I know! But, look at these two - - - Simeon and Anna. They saw God's promises fulfilled in the very dusk of their lives, shortly before their own deaths. God's timetable is not our own! We also see this with Abraham, whose wife Sarah conceived after Abraham and Sarah's faiths drooped, flagged, withered. God fulfilled His promises in His own time, for His own glory, not ours.
When I was a teen, I greatly admired the mother of one of my childhood friends. Martha was a jovial, peaceful, godly woman. I can remember her pounding this verse into my head, and at the time, I didn't understand what was so great about it, truly. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I realize anew how wise she really was. Take a look at Psalm 18:30 - -
As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
If, like me, you are struggling with God's promises today, during this season of waiting, let's encourage one another to draw near to God, and just hold on! Pray and trust, dear ones! Let's ask Him to make His glory evident in marvelous ways in us, whether we see promises fulfilled and prayers answered today, or whether they are not fulfilled in our lifetime. We serve the One, True God, and His ways are perfect!
Dear Lord, You see each one of our hearts. Speak to each of us today as we draw near to You in prayer, in thanksgiving for how You are growing our faith. Thank you for Your precious promises and for those times you allow us to see them come true. Thank you, Lord God, for teaching us to wait, in patience and faith, until Your glory is revealed. In Jesus' name, amen.
