Anticipation of God's work is a theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting the faith and hope of believers as they await the fulfillment of God's promises and the manifestation of His divine will. This anticipation is rooted in the character of God as faithful and sovereign, and it is expressed through the lives and testimonies of biblical figures who trusted in God's timing and purposes.

Old Testament Foundations

The anticipation of God's work is evident from the earliest chapters of the Bible. In Genesis, after the fall of humanity, God promises a future Redeemer, saying to the serpent, "He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel" (Genesis 3:15). This protoevangelium, or first gospel, sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which the faithful anticipate throughout the Old Testament.

The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, lived in anticipation of God's promises. Abraham, for instance, was called to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him, with the promise that he would become a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Despite the challenges and delays, Abraham "believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). His faith exemplifies the anticipation of God's work, trusting in what was not yet seen.

The Israelites' anticipation of deliverance from Egypt is another significant example. Enslaved and oppressed, they cried out to God, who heard their groaning and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24). God's response through Moses and the subsequent Exodus event became a foundational moment of divine intervention, fulfilling the anticipation of liberation and covenantal faithfulness.

Prophetic Expectation

The prophets of Israel further developed the theme of anticipation, often speaking of future restoration and the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah, for example, prophesied about the coming of a child who would be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). This messianic hope sustained the people through periods of exile and hardship, as they awaited the fulfillment of God's promises.

Jeremiah spoke of a new covenant, saying, "I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33). This anticipation of a renewed relationship with God pointed to a future transformation that would be realized in the coming of Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the anticipation of God's work finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospels present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies and expectations of the Old Testament. The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a son, Jesus, who would "reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:33). This announcement marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

The early church lived in anticipation of Christ's return, as evidenced by the writings of the apostles. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to wait for God's Son from heaven, "whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath" (1 Thessalonians 1:10). This eschatological hope continues to inspire believers to live faithfully, looking forward to the consummation of God's kingdom.

Practical Implications

The anticipation of God's work calls believers to a life of faith, patience, and active waiting. It involves trusting in God's timing and purposes, even when circumstances seem uncertain or delayed. The Psalms often capture this sentiment, as in Psalm 27:14: "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" .

In the life of the church, anticipation of God's work encourages prayer, worship, and mission. Believers are called to participate in God's ongoing work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and serving others as they await the full realization of God's promises. This anticipation is not passive but is marked by a hopeful and expectant engagement with God's unfolding plan.