Eagerly waiting
Some friends of mine are about to have their first child. And when I say ‘about’ I really mean ‘about’. The mother-to-be was having contraction-ish pains last week, and the baby's head is engaged (I take it this means it's coming within a week or so).
I was thinking about how it feels a bit like our entire group of friends is eagerly waiting for this baby to be born. Every time we see the ‘pregnant couple’, we ask whether there have been any new developments. We sympathise with the mother-to-be as she puts up with the discomfort that comes with being so heavily pregnant. Having known the couple for many years, I am extremely excited (and a little amused) by the fact that pretty soon, these guys will have a tiny little human being who is alive, and who depends on them (after God, of course) for absolutely everything—what a responsibility. It's going to look a bit like them, it's going to grow up a bit like them ... I can't wait for this kid to turn up and start growing!
Then I thought about the verses in the Bible that talk about eagerly waiting ...
Romans 8:23: Paul says that “we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies”.
Galatians 5:5: Paul says that “through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.”
Hebrews 9:28: we read that “Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him”.
I thought about how my life would change if I lived as if I was eagerly waiting for the return of Jesus; if I was as excited about one day living with my Father God in heaven, as I am excited about this baby's impending birth. Imagine if Jesus' return was like the baby's arrival: unable to be predicted, but likely to happen within the next 7 days. What things would change? What would I do differently? How would I spend my money and time? Would I spend the entire week eating nothing but Krispy Kreme donuts, knowing I'd never reap the consequences?
I realise that in some ways, it is not entirely wise to live as if Jesus will return within the week. Should Jesus not return during my lifetime, it is appropriate for me to work and earn enough to feed myself (2 Thess 3:10). It is appropriate for me to not survive solely on Krispy Kreme donuts (although I might get to heaven faster that way). It is right to use the resources God has given me to plan for the long term.
But it's certainly food for thought (and action). Do my friends and family see me as a person who is eagerly waiting for the return of Jesus? Or am I just the same as the world around me?