Anticipation

 James 5:8 ESV

 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 


This verse reminds me of children waiting for Christmas. Of course, James is referring to Christ's second advent rather than his first. We should be looking forward to his return, but we should do so patiently.

I think the Thessalonian church were getting impatient. They thought Christ's return was imminent. Therefore, they took their feet off the gas as it were and waited around for Jesus to appear.

Patiently waiting for the Lord is perhaps somewhat like waiting for the bus. It might seem passive, but you can chat to other people, check details on the bus online, and pray that it would soon come. We can do similar as we await the return of Christ.

We're not to give up waiting for Christ's return like we might walk instead of waiting for the bus. God doesn't work to our timescale. He will return soon.

'Dear Lord, we anticipate your return and ask that it would be soon. Help us to be patient in the meantime. In Jesus' name, amen'.


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