Remember Prepare and Anticipate Identifying with the Psalmist As We Hope in the Messiah

The writers of the Psalms predicted with accuracy the coming of the Lord Jesus. Now that our Savior has come, what do the prophecies about Him mean for us today? How can we relate to these psalmists who spoke of Jesus 1,000 years before His birth when we are living 2,000 years after?

The psalmists were people just like us. They had warring emotions. On the one hand, courage when facing the enemies of God; on the other, utter despair before God. On the one hand, exuberant confidence in the presence of God; on the other, entreating cries to God to fulfill His promises. Can you identify with that? These Messianic psalms show us how to look to God for answers.

The psalmists remind us that, while Christ has come, there is yet a more glorious day when He comes again. They encourage us to remember the past, prepare in the present, and joyfully anticipate our future.

"The psalmists remind us that, while Christ has come, there is yet a more glorious day when He comes again."

REMEMBER

In Psalm 27, David's fear turns to courage as he remembers the past. He recalls how God forgave all his sins and brought light into his darkness. Because David had experienced the faithfulness of God first-hand, he knew deep down that God could never reject him nor forsake him. So he waited on the Lord, being confident that God would come through for him.

Like David, when we look back in Scripture, we see God unfold His faithful plan to bring peace and salvation to us. Like David, we remember. We remember that Jesus saved us and is preparing a place for us even now.

PREPARE

The Bible teaches that Life of Jesus Christ is the bridegroom and the bride is His church from every tribe, tongue, and nation. As the bride of Christ, our role is to prepare for the Lord's return. Psalm 47 says that the day is coming when the name of the Lord will be lifted high throughout all the earth. Why? Because His faithful children are obeying His commission. Because faithful people are taking the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. What should we do now as the people of God? We are to live as willing servants who allow Christ to reign over our hearts, minds, and lives, and call others to do the same as we prepare in the present for our future glory in Christ.

ANTICIPATE

Psalm 87 predicts that God's people will come to Him, to His heavenly city, from every corner of the globe. What a promise that we can anticipate with joy and thanksgiving! In Psalm 45:14-15, the bride (us!) is "led in with joy and gladness to the palace of the king." The psalmist urges us to look forward to this future, seeing who we are, who we will be, and where we will be for eternity.

So let us remember what Christ has done for us. Let us joyfully anticipate and prepare for His return. And let us pray, "Come, Lord Jesus."

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