Definition and Concept:
Waiting, in the biblical context, is the act of remaining in expectation or patience for God's timing and intervention. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing trust, faith, and reliance on God's perfect plan. Waiting is not merely a passive state but an active demonstration of faith and obedience.

Old Testament Illustrations:

1. Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 15-21): Abraham and Sarah's account is a profound illustration of waiting on God's promises. Despite their advanced age, they were promised a son. "Then the LORD took him outside and said, 'Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.' And He told him, 'So shall your offspring be'" (Genesis 15:5). Their waiting was marked by moments of doubt and impatience, yet God fulfilled His promise with the birth of Isaac.

2. Joseph (Genesis 37-50): Joseph's life is a testament to waiting through trials and tribulations. Sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned, Joseph waited on God's deliverance. His faithfulness during these years of waiting led to his rise to power in Egypt, ultimately saving his family from famine. "But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him kindness, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden" (Genesis 39:21).

3. The Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1-14): The Israelites endured 400 years of slavery in Egypt, waiting for deliverance. Their cries reached God, who sent Moses to lead them out. "The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings'" (Exodus 3:7). Their exodus was a powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness to those who wait on Him.

New Testament Illustrations:

1. Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38): Simeon and Anna exemplify waiting for the Messiah. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ. "Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God" (Luke 2:27-28). Anna, a prophetess, also waited in the temple, fasting and praying, and recognized Jesus as the redemption of Jerusalem.

2. The Disciples (Acts 1:4-5): After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. "And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 1:4-5). Their obedience in waiting led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Theological Implications:

Waiting in the biblical sense is deeply intertwined with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. It requires believers to surrender their own timelines and desires, acknowledging that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). The act of waiting refines character, builds perseverance, and strengthens one's relationship with God.

Practical Applications:

1. Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in prayer and meditation on God's Word can provide strength and patience during times of waiting. "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14).

2. Active Service: While waiting, believers are encouraged to serve others and remain active in their faith communities. This reflects a trust in God's timing and a commitment to His work.

3. Hope and Expectation: Maintaining hope and expectation in God's promises is crucial. "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:25).

Conclusion:

The biblical principle of waiting is a profound expression of faith and trust in God's perfect timing and plan. Through the examples of biblical figures and teachings, believers are encouraged to embrace waiting as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.Psalm 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait on the LORD our God, until that he have mercy on us.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 12:36
And you yourselves like to men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately.
Nave's Topical Index

James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Nave's Topical Index

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return is Illustrated in the Gospel ...
... Chapter Three The Fact of the Redeemer's Return 6. The Fact of the Redeemer's Return
is illustrated in the Gospel narratives. ... The Church is waiting here. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the fact of the.htm

Waiting on God
... and efforts, any exertion of human nature, instead of waiting, and waiting long
if ... When a man is giving an illustrated lecture he often uses a long pointer to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

Faith Illustrated
... Faith Illustrated. ... They are waiting for some great revelation; they think, perhaps,
that by some marvellous electric shock, or some miraculous feeling within ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm

Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... Confession Of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and Constance Kent. ... The
fire-cloud of Jehovah's wrath was waiting for the sinner"the sinner must ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... And he succeeded in his importunity. Jesus, in His teaching and example, illustrated
and perfected this principle of Old Testament pleading and waiting. ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
... The Lord Jesus on earth illustrated in his practice the duty of Covenanting ... he made
precious promises, which he gave them grace to receive.[606] Waiting on the ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ix covenanting sanctioned by.htm

Sixteenth Lesson. Speedily, Though Bearing Long;'
... be some in whom faith takes more the form of persistent waiting; while to ... and the
gradual rising into greater ease in obtaining answer, is illustrated in the ...
/.../sixteenth lesson speedily though bearing.htm

Silence to God
... It still remains true that a mind silently waiting before God is the condition without ...
But a few words may be given to that thought illustrated here, of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/silence to god.htm

Removing the Veil
... wilds of sin into the enjoyed Presence of God is beautifully illustrated in the ... of
the tabernacle was that Jehovah was there; a Presence was waiting within the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/iii removing the veil.htm

Laws of the Kingdom
... from this world alone, cannot but have a grim awaking waiting for them. ... Non-resistance
is commanded in the most uncompromising fashion, and illustrated in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/laws of the kingdom.htm

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