Waiting Expectantly

In Matthew 25, we find Jesus telling a parable about a bridal party waiting on the bridegroom to arrive. They didn't know when to expect him, except to wait and to be ready for his arrival. The waiting goes well into the night, and finally when he arrives, only half the party is ready.

What does it look like to long for Jesus, to wait for his coming, and when he comes, to still be ready?

For Joanna and I, having courted long distance since last fall, we encounter this leading up to and following every visit we make to see each other. During the two weeks before, we grow more and more excited to have time to spend together in person. In the weeks that immediately follow, we find ourselves missing the other rather significantly.

After returning from the midwest this past week, it occurred to me while I was waiting to board my plane in Kansas City that the disciples must have cried following the death of Jesus, even following his ascension back into heaven. During both times, the disciples are said to have remained together, undoubtedly readjusting to life without their master physically present, eating the same meal as them, etc.

When I go without quiet times, or miss the opportunity to either worship Jesus or spend time in His word, my heart should likewise ache.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come backand take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

As I count the days until moving, I know Joanna and I will soon be together permanently as we get married June 8th and by June's end, settle down in Pennsylvania. Longing for Jesus, however, will continue, especially as no one knows the day nor hour of when He wil return, or when I will see him face to face.