THE EXPECTATION OF GOD

In everyday life, we have to deal with different individuals at our places of work and/or elsewhere (trains, buses, shops, schools, on the streets, etc). There are, very often, unspoken expectations that people have of us. For example, we are generally expected to be responsible, law-abiding, courteous, hospitable and humble. Students are expected to study hard in order to achieve their goals/dreams; employees are expected to be diligent, loyal and committed to their employers; athletes are expected to be disciplined and to train hard for upcoming events; mothers are expected to be responsible and caring towards their children; fathers are expected to sacrifice for their families, be role models for their children and mentor them so that they, in turn, can become responsible citizens. Leaders are expected to lead, have a clear vision for the progress of their nations in all areas; soldiers are expected to be patriotic, following without question the military code of conduct. The list goes on and on. 

It seems, therefore, that we live in a society that requires (expects) us to embrace her values so that rather than being antagonists, we can be 'progressive' in our thinking and our life styles. I am aware that I have used some words which have been unduly politicized but I want to assure all of us that this write-up has nothing to do with politics - I speak or rather write from the heart about something that is very often ignored, neglected or simply relegated to the background.

Many of us do not doubt God's love towards us and we expect Him to care for us, protect us, forgive us and also answer our prayers. God is faithful and I believe we can expect Him to do great and wonderful things for us. The question is - does God have an expectation of us? And if that is the case, what is that expectation? Interestingly, parents expect their children to grow, mature, be responsible and eventually cater not only for themselves but for their families, as the case may be. We should never forget that God is a faithful Father, ever-loving and always seeking the best for us.

The Bible says that we are ambassadors for Christ, the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are also described as new creations (the old has gone, the new has come). We accept the Biblical pronouncements - that we are above and not beneath, the head and not the tail. Yes, these are not only pronouncements but divine declarations of intent and part of God's expectation for us, His children (born-again believers).

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:1-3, NIV)

IS YOUR HEART SET ON THINGS ABOVE?

Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14 states

"Now all has been heard; 
here is the conclusion of the matter: 
Fear God and keep his commandments, 
for this is the [duty] of every human being. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, 
including every hidden thing, 
whether it is good or evil."(TNIV)

The duty of (expectation for) every human being is to fear God and keep His commandments. Based on this expectation, every human being will be judged. Against this indelible standard, unchangeable premise, every one of us will be scrutinized. THIS IS THE GREAT EXPECTATION - THE EXPECTATION OF GOD. My brethren let us come together in unity, love and humility to seek the Creator's rule in our lives so that we can finally say like Apostle Paul -

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV)

Many have gone before us and have completed the race- their races; we have nothing to fear, God is on our side. So familiarize yourself with expectation of God and you will emerge victorious, and receive your reward in Jesus' Name. Amen



This was posted on Facebook on July 10, 2010