Read Luke 2:25-35.

Waiting for the return of Christ is more than mere waiting. It’s waiting in faith. In fact, it’s how the saints of the Old Testament were saved. They had to look forward and trust that God would be faithful to His promise to save them from their sins. This promise was first given after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. God promised them a Redeemer who would be born of a woman (see Genesis 3:15). They didn’t realize it would be a long wait, but they passed on that expectation all the way to Abraham, who looked for “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Jesus said of him, “he saw it [my day] and was glad” (John 8:56). And Abraham passed this promise on to Isaac and Jacob, who passed it to Judah from whose line the Messiah would come. Then in Exodus, God’s people looked for the Lamb of God. In Leviticus, the Great High Priest. In Numbers, the smitten rock. In Deuteronomy, the prophet like Moses. And each book proclaims His coming, from Genesis to Malachi.

In Joshua, Christ is the Captain of the Lord of Hosts. In Judges, the Judge of the world. In Ruth, He’s the true Kinsman-Redeemer. In Samuel, the coming Anointed One. . . . In Nehemiah, the rebuilder of broken lives. In Esther, the protector of His people. In Job, He’s our comforter in times of trouble. In Psalms, the Good Shepherd. . . . In Daniel, He is the Son of Man coming on the clouds in glory. . . . In Haggai, the desire of all nations. In Zechariah, the branch of Yahweh. And finally, in Malachi, He is the sun of righteousness with healing in His wings.

Then the Scripture went silent all the way to Simeon, who praised God, saying, “[M]y eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). You see, expectations that are firmly set on the promises of God in His Word will never disappoint.

God the Son promised that He’s coming back in power and glory. He’s coming back to fulfill the hopes of His children, who are awaiting their full redemption. If this is the generation that sees His return, will you be ready?

Prayer: Lord, I want to keep watch for Your coming and to live in a way that honors You by the power of Your Spirit at work in me. I look forward to the day when I will hear those precious words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23). I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).

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