The Carpenter's Apprentice Archives

Volume 2, Number 9                                                                                                                     September 2001

Apokaradokia!

The Greek word above is found in the following text. Can you guess its meaning?

Give up? It’s the phrase anxious longing. It might also be translated anticipation. Now there’s a word! The KJV translates it earnest expectation which expresses the same idea.

Read the passage again and note the emphasis on the urgency of this revelation. The phrase, "waits eagerly" is from the Greek apekdechomai which literally means to fully expect. The combination of these two words in reference to this event emphasizes its imminency. Early Christians fully expected the consummation of all things in their lifetime, and with good reason; they were told to!

There is a great deal of scholarly work addressing the nature of the creation (or creature) under consideration in this and the following verses of Romans 8. Some would apply it to the entire physical creation. Others would reference the Jewish world. Still others would include all the nations of the earth. Some would understand it to mean all believers.  And finally, some propose a composite understanding.

I lean toward that last position myself. While there is evidence that the term applies to all nations (see Colossians 1), other passages provide additional insight that is worth considering.

For example, we read in Hebrews 9:11-12, "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (KJV)

Building in this passage is the same word translated creation elsewhere, and indeed the NASB and others translate it that way. However, note that the context of Hebrews 9 is a contrast of the New Covenant system with the old to demonstrate the superiority of the new creation.

I see several possibilities as I look at Romans 8:19. It is possible that "the creation" spoken of here is a reference to all those who are a part of the new creation. 

Who was anticipating "the revealing of the sons of God"?

The Gentiles certainly weren’t anticipating such a revelation. Christ’s ministry as well as that of the apostles make it clear that there were Gentiles who longed for God and redemption. But, did they have cause to anticipate such? That’s a discussion for another day and I can make a case both ways. (It might also be of interest to you that "revealing" here is from the same root word as "revelation" we frequently call the apocalypse. Christ’s apocalypse would also be that which confirmed who the children of God were.)

Overall, it seems to me that the biblical record speaks of the hope of Israel as represented in the coming Messiah and the establishment of the eternal kingdom. It is true that the hope of all the world is the same hope, but they had special reason to anticipate its consummation on their behalf. Consequently, there is a sense in which we might understand this passage to speak of their hope.

That said, it is obvious that whatever "creation" is intended here, there is an imminent expectancy in regard to the vindication of the "sons of God."

Those Jews with a vested interest in the traditions which had been erected around the Old Covenant were not about to give up their position, prestige, and profit without a fight. The murder of their Messiah only hardened their hearts to the good news He proclaimed. They quickly turned their attention to afflicting first century Christians.

Their action stood in judgment against them and the perseverance of the ekklesia was its hallmark. Times were really tough and the epistles are especially full of admonitions to stand firm. One recurrent theme in those admonitions was the consolation that their suffering would soon end.

That end would be so dramatic that all the world would know that they were chosen of God and that their persecutors were His enemies. In essence, Paul is saying that the world is on edge waiting for the confirmation that those who follow Christ are, in fact, the people of God.

The air is heavy with anticipation. Christ had said that confirmation would come in their lifetime. While He was not specific as to the time and season, He made it clear that it was after the gospel had been taken to all the world. Paul tells us that task was completed (Colossians 1:6).

Christ had promised that "the end" would come when the gospel of the kingdom had been preached to the nations (Matt. 24:14). The Greek word here is telos which is found in various forms throughout the New Testament. One notable place is 1 Cor. 13:10 where the form teleon is translated "that which is perfect." The form tetelestai is also well remembered in Christ’s last words, "It is finished."

I’ve included that last reference to demonstrate that not every use in the New Testament refers to the consummation of all things. Though Christ’s death, burial and resurrection are the apex of redemptive history, there was more to come before the Old Covenant age passed from existence leaving the New Creation firmly established.

Christ could rightly say, "It is finished" because the sacrifice was complete. The completion of the sacrifice did not, however, complete His work and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

The old system was still in place and operative. In fact, the apostles continued to participate in its traditions. Christ instructed them about how to view them differently. At what is commonly called the institution of the Lord’s Supper, he admonished them to remember Him as they shared the bread and wine.

It is of critical importance to understand that this was not just any piece of bread or cup of wine. They were eating the Passover meal and Christ is specific in His message, "this bread ... this cup." The specific piece of bread is called the afikomen. We’ve talked about these elements before, but a reminder here is in order.

The afikomen was one-half a piece of unleavened bread shared at the Passover table. It began the celebration whole, placed in a pouch with three compartments so that three pieces of bread are stacked one on the other in separate sleeves. As the meal progresses, the middle piece (Christ) is removed, broken in two, wrapped in white linen, and hidden under the table until time for the third cup of wine which followed the actual meal eaten during the observation of Passover.

"After dinner," the afikomen is "resurrected" to the table and eaten with the third cup of wine called "The Cup of Redemption."  The symbolism in all this is hard to miss and there is much more than I have hinted at here.

It is "this" bread and "this" cup which Christ instructs them to see in a new way. His instruction anticipates that they will continue sharing in the Passover celebration. However, from now on they are to see these elements as His body and blood. By doing that, they are to "proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)

What was to happen when He comes? In Matthew 26, Jesus tells them He would drink it new with them. What does that mean for us today? Are we to still be observing the Passover and taking the bread and wine to show forth the Lord’s death? My thoughts are unsettled at the moment and, consistent with the last issue of Carpenter's Apprentice, I have "Questions, Questions."

Most of these are not new questions for me. I’ve wrestled with them for more than a quarter of a century and I may never know the answer. I welcome your thoughts!

Nevertheless, what I want us to see is that there was intense anticipation of something about to happen: namely, the Parousia of Christ. Was their hope disappointed?

Even as the "fiery ordeal" had come upon those early believers, Peter encouraged them with a reminder that they would not be disappointed by their hope in Christ. The KJV translates it "confounded" but the Greek is even more descriptive. It has the idea of one who is embarrassed.

Peter is telling them that Christ will not embarrass them. What He has prophesied is coming to pass. They are caught in the midst of it and it will all end shortly to their glory in Christ.

How his words must have quickened their anticipation as the tribulation mounted! If they did not receive what was promised, their hope was in vain and Peter misled them. I can’t accept that! I find it impossible to stand with C. S. Lewis and others who are "embarrassed" that Christ was wrong.

Lewis’ diligent scholarship convinced him that Christ indeed taught his followers He would appear in that generation; however, his study failed to reveal to him how Christ kept His word.

The anticipation of those early believers was not in vain. Their hope did not become a cause of embarrassment to them. To the contrary, they shared in the glory that Christ exhibited as He came in judgment in A.D. 70, obliterated the Old Covenant system, and ushered in the promised kingdom of God.

What do we anticipate? How do our anticipations drive our actions? What happens if we anticipate the wrong things? Does any of this matter? I know, more and more questions!

Enjoy them! Get into God’s word and let Him speak the answers to you. Study with anticipation. You won’t be disappointed!

One of the repeated admonitions of scripture is not to worry about tomorrow. We live in a time when the vast majority of people do worry about it. They would never admit to their worries, especially in "church" but their priorities tell the tale.

A quick look at the priorities in our own lives is a ready gauge of whether we are living with anxiety or living expectantly. While we are to make provision for our families, we are not to become consumed with that task. It is a means to an end, not the other way around!

Anxiety is the antithesis of anticipation. When we live life expectantly, anxiety vaporizes. We serve an awesome God who has promised to supply our needs. It’s not as though we can twiddle our thumbs and wait for manna to fall from the sky, but we expect that God will bless the labor of our lives and provide our daily sustenance.

Focusing on the need rather than living in the sure hope of God’s provision undermines our faith. Living in the confident assurance that God is in control and He is aware of our situation produces a calm assurance and the expectation of His answer to our needs.

Remembering our position in Christ reinforces our anticipation about how He will reveal Himself to us day by day. When we are able to greet the day with our eyes open to His appearing, we see Him at work everywhere. His favor regularly finds expression in our lives and we come to know the blessing of being contented in Him.

Anxiety on the other hand, lets tomorrow rob today of its joy. It is an expression of a lack of confidence in our Father to care for His own. Unmet expectations breed anxiety, or as Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

God is not in the business of saying one thing and doing another. He delivers on His promises. Those first century Christians must have marveled at just how faithful He was. Knowing the signs of the times, they escaped the city of Jerusalem and the total annihilation that came in 70 A.D.

The fall of Jerusalem is unparalleled in history. Most Christians today live in the expectation of something worse yet to come and that anticipation fuels a theology that is far different from how God would have us look at the world.

When our view is one of the sun setting instead of the sun rising, it cannot help but impact how we perceive events in the world around us and respond to them. There’s an old hymn we sing that says, "Work for the night is coming, when man’s work is done." Although that is true in an individual sense because we all will die, in a larger sense the work entrusted to humankind is never completed.

New lives are added every day and they are lives that need to be reached with the message of the gospel. Lives which need to be disciplined in the way of love, compassion, mercy, justice and peace. Those who see the sun setting may carry the gospel but they carry it in a way that causes people to want to escape this creation.

It comes as a surprise to many Christians, but that is exactly opposite of what Christ prayed for those who would come to believe in Him (see John 17:15ff). We are among those who have believed through the word of His first disciples and this prayer is for us. That is something to think about, isn’t it?

Do we face the day in the confident assurance that the kingdom of God is growing and that the influence of the righteousness of Christ is spreading to cover the face of the earth? Or, do we face it with a mindset that says good cannot overcome evil in this life, the world is doomed and we need to get as many people in the lifeboat as possible?

I submit to you that it is much more compelling to offer water that brings healing to the souls of those we encounter and which is the only hope for the healing of the nations than it is to sell fire insurance. Personally, I am much more attracted to a banquet table than a lifeboat!

When we realize that the battle really has been won already, we begin to live in the light and glory of the Daystar of Zion, anxiety is vaporized by His light and our anticipation comes to fruition.

Needless to say, scripture is full of examples of anticipation and anxiety. Abraham was torn between sacrificing the child of promise or being obedient to God. Moses struggled with his calling to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Jacob anguished over that fateful meeting with the brother he had deceived and cheated. Who can read the Psalms without experiencing the mountains and valleys of David’s life?

In the face of the circumstances that confront us each day it is easy to lose our perspective and forget that God is in control. Sure, we would give mental assent to that fact if asked, but below the surface of what we allow others to see we paddle furiously just trying to keep our heads above water. It seems that we have to become exhausted before we are willing to rest in God’s presence and allow His grace to buoy our lives.

How much easier it is to yield our struggling efforts to the tide of His will and simply breathe from His life-giving Spirit!

That is not to say we won’t endure conflict. We will. Every conflict has the potential to create either anxiety or anticipation. It’s all a matter of how we choose to perceive the situations before us. We’ve all witnessed a child come to tears because they are torn between two things they want to do but doing one means they miss the other.

Rather than delight in the anticipation of doing one and enjoying it, they diminish its joy by wondering if they made the right choice. Yes, adults do the same thing. They just don’t cry about it as often!

Resting in God allows us to make the best choice we know how to make at the moment and to be contented with that. Of course, we don’t always make the best choice. We do make bad choices: sometimes the consequences are really bad.

In all our lives, there is much we wish we could undo. The thoughts of how our words or actions may have harmed others or brought reproach upon the name of Christ can haunt us for years. Knowing we have forgiveness assures us, but our failure grieves us.

God does not wish for us to dwell there long. He wants us to recognize our mistakes for what they are, repent of them, and confess them. The amazing thing is that in His grace that kind of obedience turns our anxiety into anticipation.

Paul’s analysis of his own situation is a marvelous example. He considered himself the chief of sinners, yet he could say, "...there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

As I read the confidence in Paul’s words, I am convinced that he was not disappointed.

The Apprentice’s Journal

You’ve probably noticed the change in format with this issue of The Carpenter’s Apprentice. I want to leave the restraints of the previous format but you can expect to see one or more of the familiar sections from time to time. Life is full of changes and I hope you don’t mind this one.

This week I was on the front porch and a scene up the street captured my attention. We live on the side of a hill and a cross- street ends at the street in front of our home. I watched at the top of the hill as a father lovingly taught his son how to ride a bicycle.

The youngster was decked out in all the appropriate garb, helmet, pads, gloves, etc. (how did we ever survive riding a bicycle without all that stuff?). When I first saw them, he had fallen and was being encouraged to pick up his little bicycle and try again. This time the father walked before him ready to help if that should be necessary.

He had done okay coming up the slope on the other side but the view coming down the hill to the stop sign where the cross- street meets ours terrified him.

He kept saying, "It’s too dangerous!" and each time his father admonished him to trust him and come on down the hill. He assured the boy he would be there to keep him from going into the more heavily traveled street in front of our home.

Eventually, the youngster started down the hill but long before he got to the stop sign he slammed on his brakes and slid to halt. Then he had to face the terrifying prospect of getting the pedals back in the right position and getting started again while on the slope. Finally, he made it safely to the bottom.

When they rounded the corner, I smiled knowingly at the father and he told me it was the first day without training wheels. "I remember what that was like," I replied. I really do. Do you?

That thought stuck with me as I went back inside. Life without training wheels can be pretty scary until you learn to use God’s established order to keep your balance. The same thing is true of our faith. Sometimes I wonder if I’m not still in training wheels in a number of ways!

Sooner or later the time comes when God would have us step out in faith. That always involves leaving the known and exploring the unknown. All too often, we would rather remain comfortable at the top of the hill than to consider approaching what might be at the bottom.

Like that young boy, we may have labored a long time with those training wheels. We may even be so good that we stay balanced between them most of the time. In fact, we may be so good that they actually become a bother because we can’t lean far enough to the side to go fast around a corner. We look forward to getting rid of them.

But when Father takes them off, something of our confidence seems to go with them. We didn’t really need them, but they were insurance - just in case.

Now Father walks before us. He implores us to do what we know how to do. It’s not that we do it without Him. The very ability He has given us is His doing and it is a "gift that keeps on giving." Do we have the confidence to use it? Or, are we so afraid of falling that we never try?

In a sense, our early biblical training gave us an initial understanding of God and His word that became our spiritual training wheels. They provided us a framework for operation. We are comfortable with them but at the same time, they can limit our freedom in Christ because they are not our own until we make them our own through personal study.

That’s another way of saying they can hold us in bondage. If we are not careful, we can put others in bondage as well. Few people I know believe exactly what they were taught as children. What they learned served them well and brought them to life-giving faith. That faith has since caused them to study for themselves and perhaps draw different conclusions.

At first, it can be exciting to think about losing those encumbrances but slowly the thought of giving them up brings us face to face with reality. Reality can be frightening at times, still it is often the risks we take that provide us with the most satisfying experiences in life.

Are we willing to "risk" our spiritual growth by placing it in God’s hands? Having learned to balance on level ground it is easy to forget that He is responsible for everything that gives us that ability and think we are now able on our own. When that happens the view down the hill can look frightening and cause us to balk at His pleadings. When we think our growth is dependent upon us, challenging our comfort can appear "too dangerous."

Let’s determine not to let our growth be determined by anxiety, rather let it be fed by anticipation! Let us approach God’s word with the confidence that His Spirit will lead us to all truth. Where our thinking goes astray, He is a faithful Shepherd to get it back in line.

Some folks are so afraid of making new mistakes that they just decide to keep on living in the old ones. That’s not growth; it’s stagnation. God has promised wisdom to those who ask Him. Let us ask with great anticipation! ~~~~ Jim