High Hopes
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)
The adrenalin rush that comes with anticipation is powerful! Shirley Raye Redmond (All God’s Creatures) has tackled a hefty subject. Her message is clear but I must confess, some days I fall short. Where do you stand?
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Our dog Printz loved cinnamon rolls. The first hint of that enticing aroma lured our bright-eyed Japanese spitz to the kitchen where he would settle himself patiently—at first—in front of the oven and wait with eager anticipation. As the delectable aroma grew more intense, Printz would lick his lips. His tail swished. He’d wriggle with excitement, knowing that once the goodies were out of the oven, he was in for a treat. Sometimes, I got the impression that Printz enjoyed the anticipation of the confection as much as he enjoyed the morsel itself.
Recently, I heard a radio sermon about Simeon in the New Testament. Luke records how the Holy Spirit had revealed to this righteous man that he would not die until he’d seen the Lord’s Messiah with his own eyes. Surely, Simeon awoke each morning with eager anticipation, wondering, “Could this be the day?” The radio preacher went on to ask if believers today are looking forward to Christ’s return with as much eagerness as Simeon looked forward to seeing Jesus when He came the first time. Christ entered the world and left it in very dramatic ways. A choir of angels announced His birth. Later, when Jesus ascended into the clouds, angels assured the awestruck disciples that He would return just as He’d departed.
The sermon made me recall Printz and his high hopes. I couldn’t help pondering if I had high hopes too. Do I eagerly anticipate the Big Day? We don’t know when it will be, but we do know that Jesus is coming back in clouds of glory. His return may take place years from now…or any day this week. Yes, I’m filled with anticipation. I hope you are too. Come, Lord Jesus.
I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending. —Fred Rogers
Lord Jesus, we praise Your name and look forward to Your Second Coming. We confess that we are not always greeting each day wondering if today is the Big Day. Thank You for Your promises and help us to make our hearts ready for Your return. AMEN.