Wait on Jesus

I. Introduction

Hook: The difficulty of waiting in our instant-gratification culture (e.g., tracking my preordered bible in the mail, grocery store check-out, deserts before dinner).

Quote - "Waiting is like being stuck in traffic when you're already late - every second feels like an hour."

"How does faithfully waiting on God grow out of the everyday faith we live Monday through Saturday?" From Scripture, we are told, “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (Lam 3:25-26).

Introduce the paradox: Jesus calls us to wait, but also to be actively ready (i.e., Waiting with intentionality means we're not just killing time or passively enduring - we're purposefully using the waiting season to grow, serve, and prepare for something greater to come).

If you have brought your bible please turn with me to Luke 12:32-40.

II. Don't Wait in Fear - Wait in Faith (v. 32)

"Fear not, little flock" - God's heart toward us. Reference the fears of lack of necessities e.g., food, clothing. Jesus’ previous discourse why we shouldn’t be anxious. Because He knows what you need before you even ask, and He wants to give you more than what you need!

The Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. He desires to share with you the reign of Christ and the blessings that are associated with it.

We are wait rooted in God's character (His generosity), not based of your fearful circumstances because of the coming God’s kingdom. He happily desires to give it to you. Wait in faith shakes away waiting in fear, then carries you a new way of living.

III. Don't Wait Passively - Wait Purposefully (vv. 33-34)

Active discipleship while waiting: sell possessions, give to needy. Being people who are proactive rather than reactive. We make change through prayer and giving.

Storing treasure in heaven vs. earth. Active discipleship is investing our funds where there is a spiritual return. We don’t wait passively hoping something to happen, we break habits and begin living anew.

Heart alignment with eternal values. The person who waits with purpose has their mind fixated on heaven.

Imagine you're an exchange student living in a foreign country for a year. You know this isn't your permanent home - your real home, family, and future are waiting for you back home. But you don't just sit in your dorm room counting down the days. You learn the language, make friends, serve in the community, and live fully where you are. You're simultaneously homesick for where you belong yet engaged with where you've been placed.

Everyday you are waiting purposely for God to work in and through you.

IV. Don't Wait Unprepared - Wait Ready (vv. 35-40)

Dressed for action, lamps burning (v. 35). Wearing the belt of truth, and keeping the spiritual light burning for Christ. Fools wear no belt and let their oils run out.

The servant's readiness and reward (vv. 36-38) The blessed life is when Jesus finds you awake! He serves us because being the greatest is to be a servant (see John 13:4). Ready people are full of the truth and spiritual ignited for God and imitate Jesus in everything they does.

The unexpected timing requires constant readiness (vv. 39-40) Jesus will show up at his Father’s appointed time and we are to wait on Jesus. He is the bridegroom of the church. He will return in all his glory and have his people forever. So stay awake!

V. Conclusion/Application

How this waiting transforms everyday faith give a reason for our waiting on Jesus. We can wait with faith, purposefully and be ready.

Practical steps for faithful waiting in daily life e.g., know the Word, invest in faith, believe in His Coming.

Call to embrace this kind of active, hopeful waiting because the Gospel of Christ leads us. He died, was buried, and rose again, and promises that his return is soon. Be the blessed servants who are awaiting for their master’s return.

Wait on Jesus.