1 Thessalonians 1:10
Our society has become accustomed to instant gratification and often finds waiting to be inconvenient or frustrating. An example of this can be seen in fast food and instant messaging, as people have grown accustomed to getting what they want quickly. Fifth Third Bank reported that “more than half hang up the phone after being on hold one minute or less.”[1] While people have grown accustomed to not waiting, the Bible encourages us to serve the Lord while waiting for His return.
The concept of waiting for Jesus’ return is found in many places in the New Testament. In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Paul uses the word anaménō (to wait) which is the only place in the New Testament where the word is used. To wait (anaménō) means to live in expectancy of something that is still future. In this case, it is the Lord’s return, which is a key theme in 1 Thessalonians. They were not to be inactive but rather serving while they wait (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
“This idea does not mean that believers should just sit around passively before the coming of the Lord. It means that every believer should live expectantly in the light of His coming as he goes about his daily life.”[2]
It is important to note that the object of their expectancy is Jesus Himself. This is a picture of a person living every day with the eager expectation of Jesus’ return. This is not a dormant inactive life but rather one that serves as though there were no more opportunities. They were also not dreading His return but rather had an eager excitement that perhaps today would be the day.
“Like a parent anxiously waiting up for a teenage child to return home, or a wife waiting up for her husband to get home from a long trip, these believers were waiting up for their Lord’s coming. Are we doing the same today?”[3]
The world that we live in can cause us to be less patient and eager to wait. However, just as Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, we need to live each day serving the Lord as we await His return. Regardless of how long we wait, Paul promised it would be worth it when the Lord returned.
Lord, help me to balance looking and eagerly waiting on your return with my need to serve You. You want me to do both. Help me through the Holy Spirit to be a good witness, serving You while I wait for the Lord Jesus to return one day…perhaps today. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ninety-six-percent-of-americans-are-so-impatient-they-knowingly-consume-hot-food-or-beverages-that-burn-their-mouths-finds-fifth-third-bank-survey-300026261.html. Accessed 05/13/2024.
[2] Mike Stallard. The Books of First and Second Thessalonians, pg. 22.
[3] John Walvoord. 1&2 Thessalonians, pg. 28.
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