Reflections: Willing to wait

As part of my Advent Bible study, I recently read from the Old Testament prophecies of Malachi and Zechariah, both of whom foretold a messenger who would come to prepare the hearts of Israel for the coming Messiah. 

Both of those prophets also foretold events connected with the Messiah himself, as did numerous other Old Testament passages such as the “suffering Servant” passage from Isaiah and Micah’s prediction that He would be born in Bethlehem. Most scholars agree, however, that while some of the passages were fulfilled with Jesus’ first coming, others describe events still to come. Depending on your faith tradition and personal outlook, that can be scary, exciting, or both when reading them in the context of current events. 

What is less encouraging to consider, however, is the waiting; there, we can look to those involved in Jesus’ birth on earth for inspiration. Malachi’s is considered the last prophetic word given directly to Israel before a gap of about 400 years between the events of the Old Testament and the New Testament. That was a long time to continue in faith that God would keep his word, yet some people did just that. 

When the angel appeared to Zechariah with the news that Elizabeth would conceive John, in fulfillment of the prophecy about a messenger preceding the Messiah, they knew exactly what the message referred to—that earlier prophecy—even though Zechariah had a little trouble processing his and his wife’s involvement at their age! Mary’s song following her own angelic visit indicates that she too was likely familiar with the prophecies. 

Personally, I find the story of Jesus’ dedication at the Temple very moving, when Simeon excitedly proclaimed the Baby to be the fulfillment for which Israel had been waiting. An old man according to Scripture, Simeon had seen a lot in his lifetime, but upon seeing Jesus, he proclaimed that he could now go to his grave in peace because of having been able to hold that Child. Michael Card’s “Simeon’s Song,” released many years ago, is a beautiful musical expression of Simeon’s response and still one of my holiday favorites. 

Many older Christians in my circle of friends and relatives, including my dad, lived in expectation that the victorious Jesus foretold in those Old Testament passages would return soon, as they saw world events over the years lining up with prophetic signs. While it didn’t happen in Dad’s lifetime, his faith was unwavering literally until his last breaths as he mouthed the words “Praise the Lord.” 

During this Advent season, we can join the biblical saints who eagerly awaited Jesus after so many years, by taking God at his Word regardless of whether it fits our idea of a timeline. The Apostle Peter’s letter reminds us that “God is not slack concerning his promises” (2 Peter 3:9), and Christians currently suffering for their faith in different parts of the world hold fast to those promises.  During Advent and Christmas celebrations, will you join me in thanking God for the promise of Jesus’ future return and holding fast, even in the waiting!