Joyfully Expecting!Sample

Abraham was glad because he saw a glimpse of Jesus

“Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56 ESV)

Abraham had high expectations because the Lord God had promised him great things. But his faith and patience were severely tested! Abraham was to have countless descendants, and they would possess a large piece of land. But Abraham lived as a stranger in the land of Canaan and had to move his tents regularly.

Moreover, for a long time, he did not have a single child. Abraham was already a hundred years old when he finally received the son God had promised him: Isaac. What a miracle! Isaac's birth was clear proof that God had not forgotten His promises, and that nothing is too difficult for Him—especially since Abraham's wife, Sarah, was also very old when she became pregnant.

Almost two thousand years later, another child was born into Abraham's family. His name was Jesus. Abraham never met this great-great-great...grandson, of course, because he had died centuries earlier. And yet Jesus says, “He saw My day and was glad.” (John 8:56 ESV) Abraham saw the miraculous birth of Isaac and other signs of God's faithfulness as glimpses of a wonderful future. God was clearly carrying out His plans, and that made Abraham deeply happy.

Abraham spent almost his entire life waiting. Is there something you are eagerly looking forward to? What is it?