Throughout the past year my husband and I have been reading through the Bible. Today our reading was from 1 Chronicles and Isaiah. The books we have read clearly illustrate human nature and the problem of sin in the lives of people who have gone before us.
After God chose Israel to be a nation to follow his commands—laws that would sustain them and allow them to flourish—the people wanted a king. They wanted to be like other nations.
And so they had kings. God continued to reach out to them through the prophets, promising a Savior that would redeem them from the human pattern of sin.
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forever more. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7
As years went by, the people waited. When Jesus came, he was not like their expectation. They were familiar with kings and power. They were hoping for a powerful king to overthrow the heavy hand of Roman rule.
It is interesting that in Matthew 13, Jesus tells three parables to describe the kingdom of heaven.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field . . . Again, the kingdom of heaven in like a merchant in search of fine pearls . . . Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. Matthew 13: 44, 45, 47
It had to be so difficult to understand, that the promised Prince of Peace would also be a suffering Savior.
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, as one from whom men hid their faces. He was despised , and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflected. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 52: 3-5
We live in a confusing and turbulent time. We can miss God’s plan of salvation if we are not seeking God with all our heart. What are my expectations? Can I lay them aside and wait patiently, prayerfully for God?
There is one expectation that I can claim. God will fulfill his promises.
Sharing this post with the FiveMinute Friday Writing Community and Inspire Me Monday and Lyli’s Faith on Fire .
Amen to God’s promises being the one expectation we can count on.
Visiting from #32
Counting on God to fulfill his promises is the one main surety of life!
Earlier this morning I read, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45,NASB). Carol, we can be assured God will fulfill His promises. I so appreciate that your post went along with my earlier reading. Thank you and blessings today!
Mary is a wonderful example of faith. Thanks for visiting!
Yes, God will fulfill His promises is a comforting promise to us. I enjoy listening to the Audio-Bible each day and find His word such a comfort to my soul, Carol.
Good Morning, I so often place my expectations before God’s perfect plan for me. I am grateful that He is so loving and forgiving, not just to me, but to all generations. I am planning to begin reading the Bible from the beginning for the second time in my life. I so look forward to the journey again. God’s Word and His ways are perfect. Thank you for the reminder.
Linda, I agree. “God’s Word and His ways are perfect.” Thanks for visiting!
Holding on tight to the promises of God! Thank you, visiting from FMF #18- Lisa
What a blessed journey you and your husband are on! It’s been a few years since I attempted reading the Bible in a year, but this year I’ll join a group online reading chronologically. The truths held in scripture are worthy of our examination and expectation. Visiting from Five Minute Friday. Happy Holidays!