How can believers today live in anticipation of being with Jesus in glory? Longing for Glory—Jesus’ Own Desire “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory—the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24) Jesus Himself prays that we will be with Him and behold His glory. Anticipation begins by letting His yearning shape ours. •Remember that this is not wishful thinking; it is Christ’s explicit request to the Father. •Because the Son’s prayers are always answered (John 11:42), our future with Him is certain. •We live today in the light of that guaranteed tomorrow. Seeing Glory with Spiritual Eyes Now •Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”—present tense. We cultivate an ongoing gaze through Scripture, worship, and obedience. •2 Corinthians 3:18: as we behold the Lord’s glory, we “are being transformed into His image.” Anticipation grows as transformation unfolds. •Colossians 3:1-2 calls us to set hearts and minds “on things above,” training our inner vision for what will soon be outward reality. Living as Citizens of a Coming Kingdom •Philippians 3:20: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there.” •This perspective reorders priorities, spending, and goals—everything is filtered through our true homeland. •Temporary comforts lose their grip when eternity feels near. Everyday Practices that Fan Expectation •Daily Scripture intake—hearing God’s promises keeps hope fresh. •Frequent worship—songs about Christ’s return tune the heart heavenward. •Lord’s Supper—“you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). •Fellowship—share testimonies of God’s faithfulness; encourage one another “and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). •Generous giving and service—investing in eternal work stores treasure “where moth and rust do not destroy” (Matthew 6:20). Suffering Turns Our Eyes Upward •2 Corinthians 4:17: present affliction produces “an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” •Pain reminds us we are not home yet and intensifies longing for the moment when He “will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4). •Choosing joy in trials (James 1:2-4) showcases the worth of the coming glory. Guarding the Hope •1 John 2:17: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Guard against love of the world; it dulls anticipation. •Stay confessing and repentant—knowing “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). •Watch for spiritual lethargy; pray, “Search me, O God,” (Psalm 139:23-24) to keep expectations vibrant. Encouraging One Another Until We See Him •1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 describes the Lord’s return and concludes, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” •Regular conversation about Christ’s coming normalizes hope and strengthens perseverance. •Small groups, family devotions, and informal chats can all nurture anticipation. Living Today for the Certain Tomorrow •Walk in love now—John 13:34-35 says our love marks us as His disciples, previewing the unity we’ll enjoy forever. •Serve faithfully—Luke 19:17 shows that present stewardship leads to future reward. •Keep rejoicing—1 Peter 1:8-9 connects unseen love for Jesus with “inexpressible and glorious joy,” for we are “receiving the goal” even now. Jesus has prayed us all the way into glory. By fixing our eyes on Him, embracing our heavenly citizenship, practicing hope-shaped habits, and encouraging one another, we live each day leaning forward, ready for the moment we finally see His glory face-to-face. |
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