We hate to wait. In seasons of waiting, apathy can grow and anxiety can overwhelm. But waiting has been an integral part of God’s people throughout redemptive history. From the promise made to Abraham, to the message of a coming Messiah and the Christmas story, God has always used waiting as a way to work in His people. Waiting teaches us to press into the goodness of God; probe the depths of the character of God; and wrestle with the beauty of the promises of God. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever been frustrated because you were anticipating something but instead was left waiting? Share your story.
Read: Isaiah 9:1-7; Matthew 4:13-17; Matthew 1:1-17; Isaiah 49:23; Lamentations 3:25-26
Discuss:
1. Describe the context of Isaiah 9. What stands out to you in Isaiah 9:1-7? In what ways were they in darkness. How are we in darkness concerning God’s working today? How does Matthew connect Jesus to the fulfillment of Isaiah 9 (Matthew 4:13-17)?
2. We all are anticipating something. How does anticipation lead to seasons of waiting? What two things can waiting cause in our lives? Have you ever grown apathetic in your waiting? Share your story. Have you ever experienced anxiety in your waiting? What things are you most anxious about? How does this demonstrate what we anticipate?
3. Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy. What is the purpose of genealogies in the Bible? What makes this genealogy so unique? How long had the people been in exile? How long had it been since a prophet had spoken? How should this genealogy give us hope in our waiting?
4. What are you anticipating and waiting for right now? Consider how God is working in your season of waiting. In what ways has God come through throughout your life in past seasons of waiting?
5. How does our anxiety demonstrate our security? How does knowing Christ help us battle both apathy and anxiety? What are some practical steps to overcoming anxiety?
Pray: Pray that in season of waiting your eyes would be fixed on Jesus. That this Christmas season would not be filled with apathy or anxiety but with greater assurance.
Memorize/Meditate: The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26
