In what ways can we "eagerly await Him" as instructed in Hebrews 9:28? Christ’s Promise and Our Posture “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.” — Hebrews 9:28 Understanding “Eagerly Await” • The verb pictures a watchman standing on tiptoe, scanning the horizon for a sure arrival. • It implies confident expectation, glad anticipation, and active readiness rather than passive waiting. • Scripture treats the Second Coming as literal and certain (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:20). Cultivating a Heart That Longs for His Appearing • Fix your thoughts on heaven: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20–21). • Treasure the promise: “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). • Keep your affections uncluttered: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Living in Personal Holiness • Purity flows from hope: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2–3). • Turn from compromise: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11–12). • Confess quickly, obey promptly, walk blamelessly (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24). Active Service While We Wait • Use your gifts: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). • Share the gospel: “To serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10). • Engage in good works the Master will reward (Matthew 25:14–30; 1 Corinthians 3:13–15). Stirring Up One Another • Regular fellowship: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Mutual encouragement: speak of His return often, sing songs of hope, remind one another of coming glory (Ephesians 5:19). • Comfort the grieving: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18). Keeping Our Lamps Burning • Watchfulness: “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35–40). • Alert prayer: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). • Discern the times without date-setting (Matthew 24:42–44). Persevering Through Hardship • Trials refine expectation: “You need to persevere so that… you will receive what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:36–37). • Patient endurance mirrors Christ’s patience toward the lost (James 5:7–8; 2 Peter 3:9). • Hold fast to hope that cannot disappoint (Romans 5:3–5). Living Generously and Open-handedly • Store treasure in heaven, lightening the heart for flight (Matthew 6:19–21). • Meet needs eagerly, knowing reward is with Him (Luke 14:13–14). • Practice hospitality as a foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6–9). Looking Up with Confidence • The same Jesus who bore sin will return “not to bear sin, but to bring salvation.” • His appearing finalizes redemption—glorified bodies, sinless creation, everlasting joy (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52). • “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). Eager waiting is hope-filled, holy, active, and communal—a lifestyle that keeps eyes on the sky and hands on the plow until the trumpet sounds. |
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