Anticipation




Jos 13:33  But Moses gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. GOD, the God of Israel, is 
their inheritance, just as he told them. 


	The excitement begins to mount even before Thanksgiving, as hints and direct 
requests are given, inspired by visions of receiving that toy, tool, garment, or other 
desired item. A case may even be made as to the need for these things and how they may 
be funded and acquired. This force of anticipation builds until that time when all the gifts 
are stacked and ready to be given to their intended. As the wrapping paper is removed to 
reveal the actual contents, there are emotions of excitement, surprise, gratitude and 
disappointment that the gifts inspire. Then, there is the post unwrapping period as the 
great build up is over and the mess has to be cleaned up. Things are acquired to be used 
and enjoyed, or possibly set aside and given again. While there may be a few items of 
lasting value, a large portion of them will age and eventually find their place at the 
bottom of a box or a trashcan. 
	While for many there has been a built up anticipation for the reception of gifts, 
there has been another anticipation for this time. As years progress, there seems to be a 
transfer of value from the act of reception to the experience of fellowship and 
relationship. I used to feel badly for my grandparents as it seemed like they couldn't 
possibly be pleased with the few small things they would get. What they were receiving, 
though, was something of much more lasting worth that could be eternally valued and 
treasured-the experience of family and the atmosphere of love. For this their hearts had 
felt anticipation, and in this their hopes were satisfied. As expressions of this love took 
material form, it was appreciated, but the true fulfillment seemed to come from words 
spoken and presence felt. While the younger ones couldn't wait to become absorbed in 
playing with their gifts, the older ones seemed to more readily set aside the gifts to 
become engaged once again in the object of their anticipation- interaction with their 
loved ones. 
	There is much to be anticipated in our new heavenly family and our land of 
promise. An inheritance has been wrapped and set aside with our name on it. Requests 
are made with great expectation to receive from the Giver of every good thing. At the 
unwrapping, however, it may appear that there are some who are much more "blessed" 
than others and a ranking of who got the "best" gifts. Like the Levites at the 
"unwrapping" of the Promised Land, there will be those whose anticipation is gratified by 
something less material, but much more eternal. The other tribes appeared to be receiving 
something of much greater value, but over time each of them would lose their possession, 
while that of the Levites would remain. 
	For the child of God, there will be blessings without measure to be used and 
enjoyed. May it be, though, that upon reception of any material thing, it would be quickly 
set aside for fixation once again with the only timeless and most precious Gift. May 
anticipation be greater for the fellowship and wonder of His presence, and may the 
expressions of His giving heart be received as relational tokens rather than objects to 
draw us away from the nearness of His presence. Gratification will then need no other 
possession, only that of His presence and His fellowship. 


Stephen Behrman

11/02/05