Wait for Him with the Patient Expectation of His Precious Return

This time of year for the gardener is one of excitement and patient expectation.  Each morning brings the delight of new growth.  Flowers abound with their brilliant kaleidoscope of colors and the majesty of the garden causes the viewer to rejoice in God's handiwork.

This patience, this waiting for it until we receive it is reflective of the way we are encouraged, by James, to patiently wait on the coming of the Lord.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.  You also, be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  James 5:7-8

James encourages us with these words but also commands us to establish our hearts.  

Our hearts need to be continually assessed in order to know what it is that drives our desires.  Often times we just go through life without being mindful of Christ's return.  Seeking our own pleasures in the moment of each day.

It is imperative that we head the words of James here.  We must patiently wait for and expect the Lord's return and long to see it just like the farmer is smitten with the sign of the precious fruit of the earth. 

 It is a miracle that things can grow out of death.

When we spend time tending to the garden of our hearts by exposing it to the truth of God's word, we are establishing it for the coming of the Lord's return.

As we perceive growth and life spring forth from death we are reminded of the death of each seed that had to occur in order for that seed to germinate  eventually leading to the growth and development of the precious fruit.

Jesus himself tells us in John 12:24 when people were seeking after Him that He would be glorified by his death.....

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 

He goes on to give it a practical meaning for our lives as His followers:

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also.  If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.  

Surely, this is a call from Jesus himself to come and die.  Die to our will, die to our way, die so we can be glorified with Christ.

Philippians 1:21-26  says that it is a good thing for me to die!

 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.  But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.  And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

Father, let your word sink deep into the soil of our hearts today so that it can germinate and grow into a fruitful vine that is established in the truth of what you desire for our lives.  A life of continual dying and growth and service to a worthy King who is soon to return.

Let us not lose sight of your glory and eminent return but give us the grace to live a life that is fully pleasing and precious to you, a life of someone who is watching and waiting expectantly for your precious return.

Help us never lose sight that our light and momentary afflictions vastly outweighs what will last forever!