WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Expectant Living

Luke 21: 25- 28

The news that a new baby is coming, usually awakens great excitement in a family. There is a sense of expectancy that reshapes the way the family lives.  Perhaps a bedroom has to be redesigned, sometimes clothes have to be purchased, or new plans have to be made about work, or travel.  The anticipated birth of a baby brings change. 

Similarly, the signs that precede Christ’s second coming will precipitate a response. For some their hearts will be crippled by fear, “apprehensive of what is coming on the world”. (v 26 NIV). But the text invites an alternative response, one of expectancy. For the Son of Man is coming, with power and great glory.  Therefore our living can be charged with hopeful anticipation. Eugene Peterson says its well, “…up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way! “(Luke 21: 28 -The Message). 

We are encouraged to live into this reality. Jesus is coming again. This assurance generates confidence in the face of life’s many trials. Today your heart may be burdened, but may I invite  you  to make a few small steps of hope. List those things that are burdening you. Now stand to your feet, move to a mirror so you can  see yourself straighten your shoulders and lift your head, then read aloud each thing that is troubling you, ending  each statement with the affirmation, Jesus is coming, Help is on the way! Finally breathe in deeply and slowly breathe out. 

May this classic shape note singing of Coming Again, refuel you with fresh hope today:

Prayer:  “May the God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Amen!  (Romans 15: 13 adapted.)

THE REVEREND JOANNE BROWNE JENNINGS