05/27/2009
Author: John Powell
One of the things we learn to do when starting a small group is to ask each other what expectations we have for the group. Maybe you’ve been in a group where some wanted to go one direction and others in another. Or where someone withdrew, saying they “weren’t getting anything out of it.” After awhile you learn to ask what people are expecting. “What kind of group do you want this to be and what do you expect to experience?” If we don’t ask and come to an agreement, things disintegrate.
Jesus knows all about this of course. In fact, as I was reminded by someone recently: “Only His Father was pleased with Him.” At His baptism and the transfiguration He heard His father affirm “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Judas was disappointed and betrayed Him. The Scribes and Pharisees were disappointed because He didn’t fit their expectations. They rejected Him and tried to get Him killed. Peter was disappointed He would have to die and tried to get Him to avoid betrayal to death. “Get behind me, Satan” was his response. The mother of James and John wanted Him to give her sons first place in his kingdom placements and was likely disappointed at His answer.
After a number of disappointments, people stop hoping. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” Prov. 13:12 reminds us. But some go beyond sadness and become cynical. They feel foolish and weak and decide to lower their expectations. Or they keep demanding He come through and turn from the Lord when their hopes are dashed.
But Jesus tells us up front what to expect. If they treated Him badly, they will do so to us too, Matt. 10:24 teaches us. John 16:33 promises: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” And quoting Isaiah 28:16, Romans 9:33 promises “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." Why such a promise? Because people with wrong or exaggerated expectations are bound to be disappointed. But if we reveal our expectations to Him and surrender them to Him, He can transform our distorted expectations into realistic ones.
Romans 5:5 “And hope doesn’t disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts…” When we receive the love of God poured out in our hearts we have our expectations transformed. We know part of the cost of discipleship is being treated like our master and we aren’t surprised when we face trouble. We know that He causes all things to work together for our good to transform us into His image.
“… I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” 2Tim 1:11-12 (ESV) Are you convinced? Have you acknowledged and understood your expectations and then surrendered them to Him? Have you set aside your demand that people come through for you or that God make your life what you expected it to be?
Genesis 25:8 describes how “Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years (NASB “satisfied”), and was gathered to his people.” (ESV)
Satisfied! Abraham, who was disappointed with Sarah’s barrenness and took Hagar, was finally satisfied. And you? Examine your expectations. Acknowledge them and let the Lord transform them and in His time fulfill them. And rather than ashamed or disappointed you can finish your life here satisfied.
