Expectation in Scripture

Expectation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often associated with the promises of God and the anticipation of their fulfillment. The concept of expectation is rooted in faith, as believers are called to trust in God's word and His timing. In the Old Testament, expectation is frequently linked to the coming of the Messiah, the restoration of Israel, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

One of the earliest expressions of expectation is found in Genesis 3:15, where God promises the defeat of the serpent through the seed of the woman. This protoevangelium sets the stage for the anticipation of a Redeemer. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, lived in expectation of God's promises. Hebrews 11:9-10 highlights Abraham's faith: "By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

The prophets also played a significant role in shaping the expectations of the people of Israel. 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 expectation of a messianic figure was a source of hope for the Israelites during times of distress and exile.

Fulfillment in Scripture

The New Testament presents the fulfillment of many Old Testament expectations, particularly in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew frequently emphasizes this theme, using the phrase "that it might be fulfilled" to connect Jesus' life and ministry with Old Testament prophecies. For instance, Matthew 1:22-23 states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

Jesus Himself declared the fulfillment of Scripture in His ministry. In Luke 4:17-21 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and proclaims, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." His life, death, and resurrection are seen as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling the expectations set forth in the Old Testament.

The fulfillment of God's promises extends beyond the first coming of Christ. The New Testament also speaks of future expectations, such as the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. In 2 Peter 3:13 , believers are encouraged to look forward to "a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."

Expectation and Fulfillment in the Life of Believers

For Christians, the themes of expectation and fulfillment are not only historical but also personal and eschatological. Believers live in the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of God's kingdom. The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of the future fulfillment of God's promises, as stated in Ephesians 1:13-14 : "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of His glory."

The life of faith involves waiting with expectation for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, including the resurrection of the dead and eternal life with Christ. Romans 8:23-25 captures this hope: "Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently."

Thus, expectation and fulfillment are integral to the Christian faith, providing a framework for understanding God's past, present, and future work in the world and in the lives of His people.