Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "waiting". We'll be looking at three portions of Scripture in the New Testament:

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. KJV

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. KJV

2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. KJV

In Luke we have the Greek word "prosdechomai". Strong's Concordance says: to await with confidence and patience. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: To receive to oneself, to admit, to give access to oneself.The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament adds this: to receive or to await. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this: to look for with a view to favorable reception. 

In Romans we have the Greek word "apedechomai". Strong's Concordance says: to expect fully. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: assiduously and patiently to wait for. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: to await and expect eagerly. 

In 2 Thessalonians we have the Greek word "hupomone". Strong's Concordance says: cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: steadfastness, 

In all three examples we see that there is an expectancy with slightly different attitudes toward the wait! In Luke Simeon had great confidence and patience that what he expected would definitely come to pass and he was right there when it did! In Romans we see that all of creation is desperately waiting for the same thing that we are waiting for! The attitude is one of expectant hope and eager anticipation! In 2 Thessalonians we see that the attitude is one of cheerfulness which is a reflection of the joy that is within us! I all of these examples, no one was simply sitting on a hill waiting to be rescued! Instead, the encouragement was to keep looking ahead in faith, all the while being actively involved in what we are called to do! This new song from Hillsong Worship called "As It Is (In Heaven) has this line: "and while I'm waiting, I'm not waiting. I know Heaven lives in me". That really sums it up well! While we wait for these promises to be fulfilled, let's keep after our Father's business, having all confidence that He IS DOING what He said He will do! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!