Daily Devotional for Friday, April 5

The Expectant Church

“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come,” 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10.

I do not enjoy waiting, not in the least bit. When I purchase a gift for my wife, it takes everything in me to refrain from giving her the gift immediately. I tend to be the last person to eat at church fellowships because I would rather wait for the line to disappear rather than wait in line patiently. I am just not good at waiting.

Paul expressed to us a healthy expectation that is quite normal for the child of God which comes from waiting for Jesus’ return. The Christian has a growing desire for Heaven and a swelling hope for the return of Christ. This expectancy is of the Holy Spirit and causes the Christian to serve intentionally while he longs for His return.

Old Testament believers waited patiently for the Messiah to come. He would save His people from their sins. When Jesus came the first time, He showed Himself to be a loving shepherd and selfless servant to all. He fulfilled His purpose as our Savior and died for the sins of all mankind.

With similar longing to that of the Old Testament saints, we long for Christ’s second coming. At that time, He will punish evil forever and rule as the righteous King. So, while we patiently wait for His return, we should serve Him earnestly, knowing that He will reward those who faithfully obey His commands.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
May the hope of Christ’s return cause us to serve Him faithfully until He comes.

Steven Ridings