Expectations runs high when we are young – full of energy, hoping time will be with us, and we’d achieve our goals. Then, we subdivided our dreams and expectations into long and short term goals. There would be none who do not have high expectations in life.
On the way, we followed paths that we think would be better for the best of our knowledge. Yet our expectations sometimes tends to run low as we stumbled or been through what we don’t presume.
4. Expecting eternal life our way:
Doing good with good intention is good, following the law of Moses too is a good practice. However, when we want our righteousness to be recognized as our way to the father it becomes a problem. The way to God is to accept Jesus Christ as our savior and then do good as he did.If we missed the first step of repentance, confession of sin, and believing in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins, then the number of our good deeds and uprightness is not worthy of having eternal life. He came to seek sinners not the righteous. (Luke 15:7)
There was a young man who kept all the commandments expecting Jesus to recognize his righteousness so that he may receive eternal life. Matthew 19:16-24 The rich young ruler went away sorrowful.
Jesus even goes onto say, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
The commandments were to reflect our wrongdoings but keeping them is not leading us to eternal life. Galatians (2:19-21) Today, many highly propagated Good Deeds as a way to eternal life. But it takes humility and change of heart before God.
5. Expecting to learn the way of life:
In the very short period of the disciples or the first apostles following Jesus, they find it very hard to grasp his teachings themselves. Jesus was teaching them the way of life here on earth and beyond.
The way of life introduced to them, which we now have the privileged to learn from them, was different from what they had heard before. The way of life for believers is not easy. It is a way of life apart from the practice of worldly norms.
When Jesus declared “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 He is declaring the way to heaven. However, it is short but a matter of eternity. Thus it became the turning point in the history of humankind.
Many expected to learn the way of life from his teaching, especially from the Beatitudes but find it hard to comprehend and follow his teachings.
6. Expecting to meet him on our timeline:
Wait, watch, wise –W-W-W is the key to meet the coming of the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1-13 The bridegroom will come back to take his bride. There will be a huge celebration when we meet him. When the works of the world is done, we’ll meet him.!
The parable of the ten virgins gives a complete account of the waiting process. We have to have enough oil throughout the waiting process. While waiting for him our lamps should not go off – “you are the light of the world, …let your light shine before others.” Matthew 5:14-16
The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they (the foolish ones) all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25:4 While they on their way to buy oil, since their lamps are going out, the bridegroom arrived. The wise ones followed him to the banquet. And the door was shut. v. 11-13
Later when they came, ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
[If we were to meet him on our timeline, we will surely miss out on him and his Kingdom.]
6. To let us rest irresponsibly or to do goodwill:
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17.Disciples cannot simply take rest. They have to work for the Kingdom while the sun is there. There will be times when one can work no more.
The scripture goes on to add, If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that 1 John 5:16
But remember goodwill is our duty, which is the fruit of a believer but goodwill alone is not worthy of saving mankind.
7. To let us compromise at times:
While we are here on earth in the flesh, we were easily tempted to store our treasure here on earth. Where our treasure is there is our heart. Matthew 6:19-24
Naturally, we want to follow our instinct which is attached to this earth. We want to enjoy our physical being as well as securing the Kingdom Jesus had promised us.
The worst-case scenario of the contemporary world is to interpret the scripture which will give us liberty in practicing and/or using our body, mind, and soul which pleases us. And at the same time, expecting our God to compromise on our thoughts and actions.
However, here is the direct teaching from Christ, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
8. To be with him in Paradise- the cross:
It takes me back to the two men who were hung with Jesus Christ on the cross that horrific and fateful day. He two men got their chance to be with the savior executing the plan of God. What more could they asked for looking at their state of suffering!
Yet the other one is adamant – losing his last option of casting his sin and suffering onto Jesus. Both men die but only one would be greeted into the promise of heaven because he did the right thing by acknowledging who Christ was, and by submitting to him. Luke 23:36-43
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Yes, if that is what you expected – he can give you!
It is because Jesus paid all the price. He paid it all when he declared – It is finished!
To be continued…
