Arise and Shine–Expectantly!

On the Sunday before Jesus’ crucifixion, the crowds welcomed Him expectantly.  His popularity soared on that day–so much so that the people intended to make Him their king.  They were ready to force the issue, if necessary.   They cheered, applauded, and celebrated His entrance into Jerusalem by paving His way with palm branches (hence the term Palm Sunday) and articles of their own clothing.  They rejoiced with dancing and singing as they imagined their future under Jesus’ kingship.  They had expectations!

Do you know that Jesus also has expectations concerning His children?  You and I are here on purpose for a purpose and Jesus expects us to step up to the plate and fulfill those expectations.  In Isaiah 60:1 He summons:

“Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”

That verse speaks specifically to the Jewish nation, but because of our spiritual inheritance, we stand to receive the same benefits as our Jewish brothers and sisters.  (Isaiah 60:2b)

So what does Jesus expect of us?  First of all, He expects a relationship with us accentuated by our love, obedience, and devotion.  Next, He expects us to wake up (arise) and reflect His image and intentions (shine) to a world stumbling miserably about in the darkness of sin.  Just as the moon reflects the sun’s vibrant, life-giving rays, so should we reflect the Son’s even more vibrant, life-giving rays of love, forgiveness, and truth.  He refers to us as His ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

God arranged our arrival time, location and purposes just as He did Jesus’.  It was perfectly planned–not missing even one iota.  You and I came equipped with all the necessary skills to accomplish our assignment, as did Jesus.  God may be doing a new thing with you as He mentioned in Isaiah 43:19 and 42:9.  Respond with a strong “Yes” as He leads you into His plan(s).  Trust Him.  Yield to His touch.  Listen and obey.  Ditch the fear and step out boldly.  He is trustworthy.

One word of caution: make sure to repent from any sin and forgive any wrongs you may have suffered.  Psalm 32:1, 5-7 and Proverbs 28:13 warns us that an unforgiving heart blocks the move of God in one’s life.  Get that straightened out right away then arise and shine and expect the wonderful move of God’s hand in your life and times!  He is expecting wonderful things from you as well.

What might keep you from meeting God’s expectations? What expectations do you have of God?