Work in the Waiting

Hebrews 6:13-15 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
 
HEBREWS has just encouraged the church to remain faithful in their work for the Lord. Now he gives perhaps the greatest example of a man remaining faithful to the hope of God’s promise.
   Abraham, the physical patriarch of all Jews and the spiritual patriarch of Christians, needed to faithfully persist in the work God gave to him. His work seemed simple: to move to Canaan and to wait for the promise of an heir to become reality. That promise seemed impossible to an aged, barren couple. Abraham and Sarah, 75 and 65 years old respectively at the time of God’s calling, waited 25 years for God to bless them with a son, so one day Abraham would have many descendants.
   At times Abraham couldn’t see God in the waiting line. Abraham believed his head servant, Eliezer of Damascus, would become his heir. But God came to assure Abraham: Genesis 15:4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” Abraham’s waiting work required an increasing faith. Abraham learned with God’s help to live with faith into the hope of God’s promise. And Abraham believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:6)
   Then God confirmed his promise through a visual blood covenant described in Genesis 15:9-11, 17-18. (See next lesson.) Even after this, the patriarch tired of waiting. Sarah suggested Abraham create an heir through her slave Hagar. Abraham’s wavering from the waiting produced Ishmael, the patriarch of the Muslims. Abraham’s one step out of the waiting line has created great conflict between two people groups throughout the ages.
   Still God kept his promise. He guided and encouraged Abraham during the waiting time. Abraham needed to know God’s promise would come true. He needed to know his waiting would bring reward. Abraham’s work to move and to wait required great patience in his purpose, didn’t it? Waiting may be the most difficult task God gives us.
   The church in Hebrews needed to wait. We need to wait. Faith requires waiting. Waiting requires faith. God came to Abraham to assure him the promise of a new nation would be complete. Jesus has come to assure us the promise of a new creation will be complete.
   This is our hope and confidence. When you need help waiting, seek God’s counsel. In grace he has given us his Word. He has taught us to pray. He has given us the Helper to encourage us and to commit his truth to us. Our Lord was personally involved with Abraham; he is personally involved with you. He has promised you, and he will keep it. Be steadfast. Be righteous in your waiting time.