Between Promise and Fulfillment

Growing Daily

Have you ever wondered what it was like to wait in Rahab’s house for the coming Israelite army?

After the spies left Jericho, Rahab tied the scarlet cord—the promise of salvation—in her window (Joshua 2:21). Then she gathered her family. And waited.

They waited while Israel crossed the Jordan, camped at Gilgal, and celebrated Passover (Joshua 2-5). They waited while life outside the window appeared to continue as usual. Then they watched and waited as the army marched around the city in a way that looked ineffective, even foolish.

You can almost imagine the questions beginning to surface. Had she misunderstood the promise? Did her family grumble that they had left their homes and businesses for nothing?

That tension feels familiar because we too live between promise and fulfillment. Our salvation is secure, but we still wait for the day when Christ will return and make all things new. Meanwhile, everyday concerns press in. What to eat, what to wear, and even minor day-to-day frustrations can seem more real than the unseen kingdom to come.

But God understands and says, "Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. 'For in just a little while, the Coming One will come...'" (Hebrews 10:36-37)

Take heart today. The waiting is not in vain. He who has promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

- Catherine Reid