It’s interesting to put those two words together in a title because they almost seem contradictory. Seldom do we wait for anything patiently. Our society has demanded that any restaurant that has a drive through for quick pickup have at least two lanes because people were being required to wait too long with just one.
The context of the title which is taken from Genesis chapter 49 is one in which Jacob, who is about to die, calls his children together to pronounce blessings upon them. In the midst of things, he utters his hope.
Genesis 49:18 (ESV) — 18 I wait for your salvation, O Lord.
Or as we read in the KJV “I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord.”
Jacob’s lifelong but still unfulfilled cry was for the “God’s promised salvation,” or His promised Savior. Obviously, he was taught to look for this salvation from his father and grandfather. Jesus pointed out to the unbelieving Jewish leaders how Abraham looked forward to the day of salvation that was being ushered in by the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 8:56 (ESV) — 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”
When Jesus’ birth was announced to Joseph, His name was to be Jesus, which means “Jehovah brings salvation.”
Matthew 1:20–21 (ESV) — 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
When Jesus was born and carried into the temple, a man by the name of Simeon, declared that Jesus was the salvation for which he was waiting.
Luke 2:25–32 (ESV) — 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
Even John the Baptist, although he knew he was the forerunner paving the way for Messiah, he still awaited the one whose shoe latches he was not worthy to unloose. But even he had to be reminded that this was He for whom he waited when discouragement set in.
Matthew 11:2–6 (ESV) — 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
What great reminders that as we wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, we remind ourselves of the promises of God along with the many signs and wonders that Jesus did while on the earth which gave clear evidence that He is the Messiah, the one who brings salvation. Let’s face it while we wait we need direction or we go off the ranch with unhealthy thoughts, therefore we are reminded to rely upon Him to direct our hearts to focus on the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ESV) — 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Meanwhile we groan but that is not all bad. Groaning is actually a sign of life. It’s also a sign that God has placed the desire of a glorious future so that as Jacob waited for the coming salvation so we await the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:18–23 (ESV) — 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Don’t miss it. Any sufferings we experience is not close to the same plain as the glory that shall be reveal to us. Wow! Meanwhile we groan as an evidence of life and hope, which is an evidence that we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, taking note that the groaning is a first fruit of the Spirit.
Jude 20–21 (ESV) — 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
Meanwhile we patiently await the One who said, that He is coming again.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
Check out the PowerBreak podcast wherever you download podcasts or from our website: www.bobbrubaker.com
