Tired of Waiting?

I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.                                                            Psalms 69:3 NKJV

How do you cope with waiting? We live in a world that embraces and often demands instant gratification, so it comes as no surprise that even believers have difficulty waiting. Yet when we study the scriptures, a reoccurring theme from God is often our need to wait upon Him! Obviously God in His wisdom has decided there are lessons to be learned from waiting, and I'm sure most of us have cried out much as David did because we are weary from waiting. But are we alone in this? Look at what Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only [that], but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.                              Romans 8:22-23 NKJV

Why does the entire creation groan? No doubt because of the changes brought about by the fall in Genesis where even the shape of this world was altered by the introduction of sin. Notice that Paul is telling us here that both nature and man are waiting for the exact same event; the return of Christ! And the reason we groan? We as believers know what we will receive when Christ calls us home to be with Him forever. The anticipation of leaving this earth grows every day as we watch the events around us which give evidence that the world is, like in Noah's day, moving farther away from God rather than towards Him.

I have noticed lately that many believers are becoming weary from waiting for the return of the Lord for His church. Although we as believers know without a doubt that what we are seeing today are the labor pains leading up to our Lord's return, it is still difficult to watch what is occurring all around us, and patiently wait for His return. Is it no wonder we find it difficult to wait upon the Lord? We watch as our nation experiences anger, protest, and even violence. Yet that it what is expected of us as believers, so I think it important that we understand what God wants from us as He asks us to wait for His return.

Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25 NKJV

I find myself continuously returning to this passage whenever I consider the nearness of Christ's return because it specifically tells us what is expected of us as we “see the day approaching”. Paul's message to us here is actually a very simple one, but also a very important one. The first thing he does is encourage us by reminding us of the fact of God's faithfulness. God has promised that He will deliver us from this world and He will be faithful to do exactly that. The second thing Paul does is tell us to do is pass this encouragement along to others who believe.

As I thought about this passage one of the ideas that came to mind was that discouragement means our focus is inward. We get discouraged because our concern is about what we have yet to receive, impatience that we are being asked to wait, and probably a little doubt about the validity of the promise. I think that is why Paul's first advice to us concerns God's faithfulness. We often need to be reminded that God is always faithful to deliver on His promises. It's never a question of “if”, but of “when”.

He who calls you [is] faithful, who also will do [it].

1 Thessalonians 5:24 NKJV

Of course, if we stop looking in and start looking out, we then see that there are others who will benefit from the encouragement we can give by sharing the message of God's faithfulness. How often have we thought that we were alone in being discouraged when in fact there are so many others within the body that deal with the same problems we do. Becoming discouraged while being made to wait is something we have all felt at one time or another, and what better way to cope than to get together with other believers who can empathize and encourage? Sharing the encouragement of God's faithfulness to others in the body is Paul's advice to us especially at this time.

“and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” I think that this phrase is also Paul's way of saying that the closer we get to the rapture of the church, the more the need for encouragement. I read more and more every day of those in the body who are going through hard times and facing attacks from the enemy and are in desperate need of encouragement. I have no doubt that Noah and his family felt their share of persecution in the time leading up to the flood, and how difficult it must have been to not get discouraged as they waited for the Lord. Yet I believe the key once again is to look forward to the promise we have from God with the knowledge He is faithful to do as He has promised.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory,

2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

The more we must endure down here increases the joy we will find when we finally experience the glory of life with God in the place He has prepared for us. The longer the wait, the stronger the anticipation as well as the greater the appreciation. We know what is expected of us here on this earth, and it should come as no surprise that the opportunities to share our faith will increase dramatically as the end draws near. In a way, you could say this is our time to shine, and God has promised to give us the strength necessary to succeed.

For the LORD [is] good; His mercy [is] everlasting, And His truth [endures] to all generations.

Psalms 100:5 NKJV

 Are you discouraged today? Does it seem like what we are waiting for will never get here? Let me encourage you by reminding you that our hope is in the Lord. He is always faithful to do as He has said. God has never failed to fulfill a promise, and of course He never will. Take the time we have left by sharing this promise with others and encourage them to receive the gift of eternal life if they have not already done so. 

At times, waiting can be agony. I won't deny that and neither will you. It's easy to become discouraged when we are asked to wait when our expectations are so high. How long? I have no idea, but it certainly doesn't look like it will be much longer until the labor pains will be over and we will be delivered to glory with Him, and the world to its tribulation. There are reasons for making us wait, and it goes without saying that every day the Church remains is another day that we can share the promise of salvation that is available because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Look to God for strength, and be busy making the most of the opportunities we have in the short time we have left.

Keep watching.

What Does It Take?

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.  Mark 16:9-11  NKJV

“Persistent unbelief in light of contrary evidence is willful ignorance!”

After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either  Mark 16:12-13  NKJV

Sooner or later the time comes where we do or say something that tends to date ourselves, and today will be my day.  Back when I was very little I can remember watching television with my parents as they enjoyed their favorite shows.  One of these was a program called “Perry Mason”.  It was centered around a criminal lawyer and the cases he took on to defend, and all the twists and turns you would expect from a criminal trial.  I never recall seeing him lose a case, yet what I remember the most is how hard he worked to build his case by seeking out and presenting the evidence which always led to the inescapable conclusion of his clients’ innocence. 

I would find it hard to believe that there are many believers today who have read the account of what transpired after Jesus death and resurrection and not wondered about the disciples’ response and their lack of understanding as well as their stubborn refusal to believe.  I use the term stubborn simply because the disciples chose to ignore an established principle in play since Old Testament times concerning the weight of evidence to be given to two or three witnesses.

“Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.  Deuteronomy 17:6  NKJV

“One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.  Deuteronomy 19:15  NKJV

Jesus also taught this very principle during His ministry when He discussed the subject of discipline within the Church.

“But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established  Matthew 18:16  NKJV

In the above passage from Mark we find that the disciples were presented with the testimony of at least three witnesses to the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead in Mary, and then two of their own.  Yet for some reason they still chose not to believe what was being told to them.  Now maybe, just maybe I could understand how difficult the fact of the resurrection might be to believe if it were not for the fact that Jesus Himself had told them that this was exactly what was going to occur before it ever happened!

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”                     Luke 9:20-22  NKJV

So what would your reaction be to someone who refused to believe even though the evidence presented to support a position met all the criteria necessary by established legal principles?  I daresay your thoughts would be less than kind, and truthfully mine would refer back to all of the passages in Proverbs which describe fools.  Does that seem harsh?  Maybe it would help to look at Jesus’ reaction to the disciples and their stubborn refusal to believe the evidence.

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.  Mark 16:14  NKJV

So let us start with the word translated rebuke.  In the Greek it is the word oneidizō which means to reproach, upbraid, revile.  Now I don’t think you have to be an English scholar to understand exactly what is being described here.  I believe what we see here are the disciples being taken to the proverbial woodshed for some serious correctional instruction.  Jesus is less than pleased at their actions and He lets them know it.  The phrase “hardness of heart” is the one I tend to focus on because to me, that describes perfectly someone who chooses not to believe even though the evidence proves them wrong.

Have you ever wondered about those alive today who choose to willfully ignore the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection?  Have you ever tried to share your faith with someone only to find they totally reject the entire idea of Jesus dying for their sins and rising from the dead?  This is “hardness of heart” and it has never been more prevalent than it is in the world today.  Although we who believe find it difficult to understand why someone would choose to ignore the evidence the Bible presents for us, it is a fact of life that many will simply choose not to believe.

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.                       John 20:29-31  NKJV

The disciples had to see Jesus’ face in order to accept the reality of the resurrection, and they received the rebuke they deserved from Jesus Himself.  Yet look at the words of Jesus to Thomas which are a promise to those of us who choose to believe.  We are blessed, and will continue to be blessed, because we choose to believe the evidence of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Keep watching.

The First Day

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:1-9 NKJV

Rejoice indeed. Because of the resurrection, we all have the opportunity to share in His power over death. It is a gift, freely given to anyone who chooses to believe. Have you ever considered the fact that as a believer in Christ, you are immortal? Death has no hold over us for we have the promise of eternal life, and to prove it, Jesus rose from the dead to show us He alone has the power.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26 NKJV

Do you believe?  This is the most important question that anyone will ever be asked.  If you can answer yes, your place in eternity in the presence of our Lord and Savior is guaranteed.   We can know this because God has promised us that all who believe will have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

And it shall come to pass [That] whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.' Acts 2:21 NKJV

And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Acts 16:30-31 NKJV

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9 NKJV

My prayer is that if you have never made the decision to believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again for you, you would decide to do it today. Invite Jesus to come into your life and forgive your sins, and begin to experience the joy that comes from having a relationship with a living God, and the knowledge that He has promised us eternal life with Him in Heaven if we only believe.

Have you made the decision in your own life to know the power of His resurrection? If not, you can right now by praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

He lives!

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The Wedding Feast

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”      Revelation 19:7-9  NKJV

Like many of you, I have had the opportunity to attend a few weddings in my time as well as seeing two of my daughters walk down the aisle.  It follows then that over the years I have formed an opinion or two about what constitutes a good wedding.  While I have watched the inordinate amount of planning and angst that surrounds the efforts to present the perfect wedding ceremony, it occurs to me that my thoughts on the most important part of the whole day would probably not be shared by many or even most brides involved with the planning.  Why is that?  Well, in all honesty my favorite part of a wedding is not the ceremony but rather the food waiting in the reception hall.

Now it isn’t that I don’t appreciate the importance of the wedding vows, and making a public commitment before witnesses to love, honor, and forsake all others until death do you part.  In fact, as we all know the Bible holds marriage to be one of the most sacred and important commitments an individual can make.  Yet one thing I noticed when I began to study the elements of a Jewish Wedding many years ago was that even though the steps might be a little different than those we are familiar with, they do save the best for last just as we do with something they like to call the Wedding Feast. 

If you are not familiar with a Jewish Wedding, let me give you just a brief summary of the steps involved.  First of all the father pays for the bride and establishes the marriage covenant.  Second the son returns to his father’s house and prepares the bridal chamber.  Third at a time determined by the father, the groom fetches the bride to bring her to his father’s house.  Because the bride does not know when this might occur, the groom’s arrival was preceded by a shout, which forewarned the bride to be prepared for his arrival.  The bride then undergoes ritual cleansing prior to the wedding ceremony, the private wedding ceremony is held, and then in the privacy of the bridal chamber the bride and groom consummate the marriage.  It is after this time that the Wedding Feast is held where all who have been invited can join in celebration with the bride and groom.

By looking at this outline, it isn’t very hard to see the steps of a Jewish wedding are the same as those spelled out for the Church, the bride of Christ, and our covenant with Jesus.  Why is this important?  One reason takes us back to what we talked about last week concerning the Fourth Cup of Passover.  We know from what Jesus said that we will drink of this cup along with Him at some future time, but is it possible for us to know when exactly that might be?  Although most of us understand that it is virtually impossible to get everyone to agree, the majority of scholars I have studied believe this event will take place at the Wedding Feast that follows the ceremony of Christ taking His Church as His Bride.

I thought I would share the thoughts of just three of those individuals with you this morning who believe this is the proper interpretation of the scriptures.  Dr. John Walvoord, who served as president of Dallas Theological Seminary for many years said this about Jesus’ words at the Last Supper;

The new ceremony, instead of relating to the lamb slain in Egypt, now was referring to Christ as the new Passover Lamb, the one who would be slain on the cross. Although it was a new ceremony, it was also their last meal together, and He concluded the introduction of the Lord’s Supper with the words of verse 29, “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Here He was referring to the millennial kingdom, when Christ will return to the earth with His resurrected disciples and participate once again in the earthly scene.

Dr. Thomas Ice, the executive director of the Pre-Trib Research Center at Liberty University writes;

We read in Luke 22:16-18 the following: "for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes." This is called the Lord's Supper, which Jesus inaugurated for the soon to be born church to practice until His return to get His bride. Christ's promise not to not eat or drink again until He does it when the kingdom comes, means that He will not be celebrating His marriage supper in heaven before He descends at His second coming with His bride. Here He says the next time he eats and drinks will be at the coming of the kingdom, which will start at the beginning of the thousand years of His reign upon earth.

Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, founder and Director of Ariel Ministries also agrees saying;

The resurrection of the Old Testament saints will take place following the Second Coming in preparation for the Messianic Kingdom. …the Old Testament saints are to be the friends of the bridegroom at the marriage feast, but the marriage feast will take place on earth as an inauguration of the Messianic Kingdom. It is the wedding ceremony that takes place in Heaven before the Second Coming, but the wedding feast itself will take place on earth and will kick off the Messianic Kingdom.

Weddings have always been the most happy of celebrations and a big part of that day is the opportunity to share a feast with the bride and groom as they begin their new life together.  Who can forget that Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding feast when they ran out of wine?  It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to realize that the Wedding Feast we are going to attend as the bride of Christ will be one we will never forget.  Especially when you consider we will finally get to drink the cup of acceptance, the fourth cup of Passover, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.                                1 Corinthians 11:23-26  NKJV

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