Kristen Grossman Prose

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5

Amid trials, confusion, and suffering, it is easy to wonder why Jesus’ second coming is taking so long. We look around at the chaos of international power struggles, the devastation of natural disasters, and the cruelty of humankind and long for Jesus to return.

• 

Even just a peek at the Old Testament shows us God’s patience with humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God’s chosen people cycling through periods of worshipful reliance on God, followed by succumbing to the evil influences around them. Yet, despite the fickleness of His people, God never stopped loving and pursuing them.

How beautiful are the prophet Isaiah’s words, written more than 600 years before the birth of Christ, foretelling the arrival of the Messiah. Not only would Jesus come to cover the debts of the Hebrew people, but His gift of salvation would be for the entire world.

After he has suffered,
    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will bear their iniquities. –Isaiah 53:11

• 

Our Father God knew that as humans, we would never be able to live perfect lives. We would never be able to earn the right to stand before Him. Yet, God did not want only a superficial relationship with us. More significant than that, He wanted to welcome us into His presence as beloved sons and daughters. Therefore, in God’s great wisdom, He waited until the perfect time to put His plan in motion.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. –Galatians 4:4-7

Frequently, the world seems to be spinning out of control. There are days when we don’t understand why God isn’t responding to situations in the ways we would expect. May we use those moments to remember our God, in His wisdom, is at work and caring for us in His perfect timing.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the Scriptures, which show us how patiently you have waited for humankind to turn to You. Help us be patient as well, as we wait for Your beautiful plan to continue to unfold. Amen.

📖

Andy Stanley. (2018, October 22) The Bible for Grown-Ups, Part 3: The Old Testament [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/veSm5gS_j1o