Just Thinking

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfuits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:22,23).

In high school I ran the 100 meters, a race that requires a responsive start as soon as the starting pistol fires. If you stumble out of the blocks or hesitate, you are sure to lose. So, as the starter barks out, "on the mark, get set..." I waited ready to explode out of the starting blocks like a shaken bottle of soda. As soon as the pistol fired, there was no hesitation, I was gone.

In the above passage, the phrase, "wait eagerly" carries a similar meaning to this. The picture is that God's children are leaning forward, hanging on every word waiting for adoption. There is a picture of this idea in the book of John:

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." "How do you know me?" Nathaniel asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." Then Nathaniel declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." (John 1:47-49)

Nathaniel had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus saw him while he was under the fig tree. Beneath a fig tree was often a place where a ribbi would teach or study. Also, the fig tree was symbolic for messianic peace and plenty. So, it appears that Nathaniel was sitting under the fig tree thinking upon the Messiah. He was readying himself. He was in the starting blocks. When the Messiah appeared, Nathaniel was ready to follow. He began the race.

There are a couple of things that particularly stand out to me. First of all, although Nathaniel didn't know it, Jesus was watching him. Nathaniel couldn't see the Messiah, but the Messiah could see him. The Messiah was watching over Him like a shepherd does his flock. Secondly, Nathaniel was ready to move when confronted with the Messiah. His heart had been leaning forward, ready to respond.

So, waiting is really a leaning forward, hanging on every word, ready to hear from the Word. Although we do not see Him, He sees us, and at the appointed time He reveals Himself to us. If our hearts are ready, we will be ready to respond, ready to begin the race.