The phrase "earnest expectation" carries significant weight within the context of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. It speaks to a fervent, hopeful waiting, not a passive idleness, but an active anticipation filled with confident belief. Understanding its meaning requires delving into the original Greek and examining its usage throughout scripture.
Understanding the Greek: ἀπεκδεχομαι (apekdechomai)
The Greek word often translated as "earnest expectation" is ἀπεκδεχομαι (apekdechomai). This word conveys more than simply "waiting." It implies a confident and intense anticipation, a waiting that is active and filled with hope. It’s a waiting that involves longing and eager desire, a state of being completely focused on the anticipated event.
Think of it this way: It's not the passive waiting for a package to arrive; it's the excited anticipation of a long-awaited reunion with a loved one. The difference lies in the depth of emotion and the certainty of the outcome.
Biblical Examples of Earnest Expectation
Several passages in the New Testament illuminate the meaning and significance of earnest expectation:
Romans 8:19: The Creation's Eager Expectation
This verse is arguably the most well-known example: "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." Here, "eager longing" directly translates the concept of apekdechomai. The passage speaks not just of a passive waiting but of a vibrant anticipation of the redemption and restoration of all creation. The creation itself groans, longing for the day when God's children fully reveal His glory.
Titus 2:13: Waiting for Our Blessed Hope
"While we wait for our blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Again, this waiting is not a listless expectation. It's a waiting fueled by the blessed hope of Christ's return and the glory that will accompany it. This hope is the driving force behind our lives as Christians.
1 Thessalonians 1:10: Waiting for Jesus Christ
"and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." Here, the Thessalonians aren’t merely passively waiting, but actively anticipating the return of Jesus, viewing it as their rescue from impending judgment. This demonstrates the powerful element of hope and relief intertwined with this earnest expectation.
The Significance of Earnest Expectation
Earnest expectation isn't just a passive state; it's a powerful spiritual discipline:
- Strengthens Faith: Holding onto earnest expectation requires faith, a deep trust in God's promises. The very act of anticipating God's work strengthens this faith.
- Shapes Character: Waiting well—with earnest expectation—cultivates patience, perseverance, and humility. It teaches us reliance on God rather than self-reliance.
- Fuels Action: This anticipation isn't passive; it motivates us to live lives worthy of our hope. We act differently when we know that God's promises are near.
- Provides Comfort: Knowing that Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises are certain offers comfort in the midst of trials.
In conclusion, "earnest expectation" in the Bible represents a profound spiritual attitude. It's an active, hopeful, and confident anticipation fueled by faith and directed towards the fulfillment of God's promises. It shapes our character, strengthens our faith, and motivates us to live in accordance with the hope we hold. It's not merely waiting; it's actively living in light of what is to come.
