Anticipation!

It is fun to watch children who are anticipating something. They get so excited they can hardly stay still. The feet shuffle. Fingers fidget. They often have to be reminded to stay seated. I have observed this power welling up from within our grandchildren many times. It is nearly impossible for them to be still when they are filled with the excitement of what they know is coming.

As we grow older, do we lose some of that uncontainable quality of EXPECTATION? Someone has said, "Anticipation is ever more fun than recollecting." [source: calendar quote] There may be many things we enjoy thinking back on; many memorable moments we enjoy reliving in our mind. However, they have already been experienced and remain in the past. Though the remembrance may be deeply cherished, the excitement we experienced at the time does not seem to be fully retained in the memory. As much as we might desire, we are unable to return to that moment in time. On the other hand, while we live with EXPECTATION toward something, as time goes on and what is expected seems closer, the intensity of excitement continues to build and build in ways that eagerly move us onward in life.

There are many events we get excited about in this life which come and then become a part of the past. Then we are left to find the next thing to help encourage us on. We need something that captures our attention and draws us eagerly toward it. Such provides not only a real power, but a real purpose for living.

The Hebrew writer encouraged.
"(27) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (28) so 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." ( Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV)

When we were baptized into Christ we experienced the excitement of having our sins washed away. The power of the blood of Jesus to adequately deal with our sins should never be forgotten. That was His purpose in coming. However, it is because that relationship with Him began and continues that we are able to live with eager EXPECTATION of His second coming. This EXPECTATION provides the greatest power and purpose possible for living life now. May we allow that EXPECTATION to excite us toward keeping our feet moving, our fingers busy, and being unable to sit still as we live and serve now to the glory of God.

Have a great day LIVING IN EAGER EXCITEMENT OF MEETING CHRIST!
Carl

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