The wait was for God to act.

God loved David and his subjects. David and his citizens loved God in return.

Within two generations, kings and people forgot God and pledged their allegiance to idols formed from wood, stone, and precious metals. Their downward fall picked up speed over hundreds of years to the point of their sin going beyond God’s imagination. Not even God thought His people would fall so low. At one point he concluded the best person in Israel was not as worthy as a thorn bush.

God’s chosen people lost it all. They lost their land, their children, their wealth, their health, and their freedom. The nation signed everything over to Satan—no God thoughts remained. Prophets—speaking from God—shouted warnings to the wind. The people, sold out to Satan, would not allow God’s word to touch them.

God responded by allowing the nation of Babylon to destroy Israel and carry a remnant of the people into slavery for seventy years. Slowly, God began to get their attention with a promise of restoration. He reminded the people of His promise to have a descendent of David as their king forever. Treated as prisoners and slaves in Babylon, the seed of repentance started to take root.

Father to son—and mother to daughter—told the story of King David. It was a glorious time. Israel was victorious. Gold and silver circulated. Grapes, figs, and fields produced more than could be eaten. Calves were fat and sheep gave wool for warmth, milk for cheese, and lambs for consumption. Wealth was to flow again. Yes, another David would be good.

Five more centuries would pass. Will the time ever arrive?

I have no idea why it took so long. I remind myself once more that my calendar is shortsighted when compared to God’s sense of time. Why did the people need five hundred years to prepare for receiving the Messiah?

Perhaps, a portion of the answer peaks in the lives of two women. Their hearts were completely opposite to the hearts of pre-captivity Israel. In them God found humility, love, courage, and trust. Elizabeth and Mary’s hearts aligned with God’s heart. The wait was over. God identified the mothers of John and Jesus. The time was right for God to act.

This is a good time to show gratitude to God for all of centuries of waiting that culminated in the birth of the Savior. It is difficult to be thankful for times and people unknown to me. I want to thank God for the faithfulness of a linage of people who made it possible for Elizabeth and Mary to stand ready for a special assignment from God.

In our time, the wait is for the Garden of God. It will be far beyond my greatest expectation. My relationship to God will be a gazillion times better than my greatest relationship on earth. All will be right for the first time in my life. My task is to wait in faithfulness and trust.

During the first week of Advent I can spend time thanking God for past “waiters” and pray to Him with a plea that I can become a better waiter. I want to learn to wait in patience and with great expectation.

Wouldn’t it be a worthy focus for seven days? Stay tuned.

-Gary J. Sorrells