Topical Encyclopedia The concept of anticipation in the Bible often relates to the expectation of God's promises, the coming of the Messiah, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Anticipation is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, reflecting the hope and faith of God's people as they await His intervention and fulfillment of His word.Anticipation of the Messiah The anticipation of the Messiah is a central theme in the Old Testament. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah foretold the coming of a Savior who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This prophecy fueled the hope and expectation of the Jewish people for centuries. Micah 5:2 also speaks of the anticipated ruler from Bethlehem: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." These prophecies created a sense of anticipation for the coming of the Messiah, which was fulfilled in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus Christ. Anticipation of God's Promises Throughout the Bible, God's people are often depicted as living in anticipation of His promises. Abraham, for example, lived in anticipation of the promise that he would become the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5). Hebrews 11:8-10 highlights Abraham's faith and anticipation: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." The anticipation of God's promises is not limited to the patriarchs. The Israelites, during their captivity in Egypt and later in Babylon, lived in anticipation of deliverance and restoration. The Exodus narrative is a powerful example of anticipation fulfilled, as God delivered His people from bondage and led them to the Promised Land. Anticipation of the Second Coming In the New Testament, anticipation shifts towards the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself spoke of His return, urging His followers to be watchful and prepared. In Matthew 24:42 , He says, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." The early church lived in eager anticipation of Christ's return, as seen in the writings of the apostles. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, encourages believers to remain steadfast in their hope: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The book of Revelation further fuels this anticipation with vivid imagery of Christ's return and the ultimate victory over evil. Revelation 22:20 captures the longing of the early church: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Anticipation in the Life of Believers For believers today, anticipation is an integral part of the Christian faith. It involves trusting in God's timing and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Romans 8:23-25 speaks to this hope: "Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." Anticipation encourages believers to live in a state of readiness, with hearts and minds focused on the eternal promises of God. It is a call to live faithfully, with the assurance that God's word will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Anticipate.Greek 4051. perisseuma -- superfluity ... especially as a situation (ie by its ); what is greater than expected (thought to be the limit); what exceeds (what was measured), ie " anticipated." See 4052 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4051.htm - 7k 4053. perissos -- abundant 4057. perissos -- abundantly 4329. prosdokia -- expectation Library Heaven Anticipated. An Universal Sabbath Day Anticipated. An Argument Anticipated. Mercies Remembered and Anticipated. --Ps. xxiii. 4-6. An Objection Anticipated Before the Discussion Above Promised is ... Further Objections Anticipated. He did not Choose his Manner of ... The Withered Hand Healed on the Sabbath. --The Objections of the ... Argument: Moreover, what Will Happen to the Christians Themselves ... Objection to the Number of Extracts from Philosophical Writings in ... A Third Passage with which He Finds Fault is that in which I Gave ... Thesaurus Anticipated (4 Occurrences)...Anticipated (4 Occurrences). Matthew 17:25 He said, "Yes." When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? ... /a/anticipated.htm - 7k Anticipate (5 Occurrences) Eschatology Tabeel (2 Occurrences) Mouth (534 Occurrences) Home (270 Occurrences) Yes (511 Occurrences) Home (270 Occurrences) Night-watches (4 Occurrences) Forgo (1 Occurrence) Resources Why is Queen Mary I of England known as Bloody Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pentecostal Church and what do Pentecostals believe? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the golden calf incident in Exodus 32? | GotQuestions.org Anticipated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Anticipated (4 Occurrences)Matthew 17:25 Mark 14:8 Psalms 119:147 Psalms 119:148 Subtopics Related Terms |
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