Anticipation in the Christian Life: Living Coram Deo

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget that we’re living in God’s presence. It’s what ‘Coram Deo’ is all about! It means understanding our entire life is spent in the presence of God, and there’s a hopeful anticipation that comes with that. This anticipation is reflected in Jesus’s words during the Olivet Discourse, reminding us of the transformative events that Christians look forward to.

Living in Eager Anticipation

Christian anticipation is more than just waiting. It’s a fervent, eager longing rooted in the sure promises of Christ. While the Olivet Discourse historically speaks about the pending fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, it also offers all believers a blueprint for how to live in eager anticipation of God’s unfolding plan.

The Chief End of Man

The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that our primary purpose in life is to, “glorify God and enjoy Him forever”. While many believers strive to live lives that honor and glorify God, it’s the concept of enjoying Him – now and forever – that should spark our anticipation. But how many of us actively live in joyful anticipation of His return? Do we get lost in the here and now?

Understanding Anticipation through the Olivet Discourse

The Olivet Discourse is more than just a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., it’s an invitation to a different kind of lifestyle. Jesus calls believers to be vigilant, to be prepared, and most importantly, to anticipate the grand work of redemption He is accomplishing… present tense. This isn’t something that has happened or will happen. This is something that is happening. Our anticipation isn’t rooted in fear but in hope, not in uncertainty but in the sure promises of Christ.

Coram Deo – Living in God’s Immediate Presence

The Latin term ‘Coram Deo’ means living before the face of God. It summarizes a life of integrity, lived fully in God’s presence. It’s here that our anticipation finds its roots. Living ‘Coram Deo’ means that every moment is infused with the eager expectation of seeing God’s promises come to fruition.

Conclusion

The Christian journey is meant to be one that includes eager anticipation. Every teaching, from the Olivet Discourse to the doctrines of the catechism, points us to a life lived in hopeful expectation of Christ’s return and His eternal reign. So, as we navigate our daily lives, may we be constantly reminded to live ‘Coram Deo’, with our hearts and souls brimming with anticipation for the glorious future that awaits us.

Let’s not just wait for Christ’s return; let’s anticipate it! In this eager anticipation, we will find the true essence of a life lived for Christ.