7 Responses to and for Glory: Thanksgiving, Shining, Celebrating His Presence, Glorifying His Name, Intercession, Yes, Watching & Waiting
Merry Christmas, friends! One last thought.
The Response of Watching & Waiting
I love this passage from Titus. These four verses tackle the how, what, and why of waiting and watching.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14
It is tempting to distract ourselves with busyness when we are waiting for something. A lot like kids at Christmas time. We will do anything—crafts, advent calendars, play dates, bribery—to manage excitement levels.
But when it comes to watching and waiting for our blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of Jesus, distracting ourselves leaves us unready. Like, without oil unready. What Paul is helping us see in Titus 2 is how to wait. We wait by saying no to ungodliness and living upright, all by the grace of God. That’s watching while we wait.
Why do we watch and wait for Jesus’ return? Because he gave himself for us, because he is the author and finisher of our faith, because he is worthy, because we don’t want to miss one second of what is coming, not even the pre-show.
As we set our hearts on the appearing of your glory, Jesus our Lord and Savior, we attentively watch while we wait. Come, come quickly. Come with all you are. We long for the day when we will see your face, when we will be with you. The Spirit and the Bride say, come.
Speaking of watching and waiting, the first issue of VIGILANCE: The Brave Sparrow Quarterly goes out January 15. It’s free! Sign up HERE to subscribe the Brave Sparrow mailing list.
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