Coming Attractions!! Ever been anticipating a new movie? Finally the trailer  is released!

Case in point: at this writing, Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens, is only seven months away! There is a buzz in the air. We know it’s going to be good. First off, because it’s just Star Wars. Secondly,  J.J. Abrams is directing and the music is by none other than John Williams.

Those who determine the script & sound of an epic story, having already proven their expertise, virtually guarantee its worth.

The coming attraction that proves to be a great film, moves its’ way into our treasured archive, most likely to be viewed again. Meanwhile, future films are created and hence more coming attractions.

Expectancy is a part of everyone’s life. Consider this psychology definition of “anticipation” – the imagining of a future event which creates an affective response. (I.E. It changes my emotional state, positive or negative.)

Anticipation can be long term or short term:

Eternity, the age to come, being a king and priest forever in God’s kingdom is a cause for excitement in my heart. You can’t get much more long term than that! Knowing this “coming attraction” in my story line fuels expectancy and releases emotional strength into my present day.

On the other hand I also look forward to date night next Wednesday, as I have for the past one hundred Wednesdays. I have the same date (hot) and generally go to the same restaurant, and same coffee shop.

“Same” is not boring by the way. I have served the same God for the past 40 years. He is consistent, invariable, unchanging, and the Provider of every good gift. (James 1:17)

I have been reading the same Bible, albeit in various translations, for the past four decades. My anticipation remains unabated. And what of God towards me?

Is there a reciprocal expectancy – a coming attraction in the epic story of “me” that stirs joy in  the heart of God?

(Who has, by the way, signed on to direct and compose YOUR story.)

Reciprocity derives from the Latin “reciprocus” – moving backward and forward. I have yet to discover all there is to know of God. I have yet to discover all there is to know of me. So my gaze is fixed on the Lord, and rightly so. This includes seasons where I must follow His eyes and the leading of the Spirit to an area marked for change in my heart. This will always be fruitful when Spirit led. It will not however always be fun.

“Change my heart O God” is not a plea for cosmetic change. It is a full on surrender to Abba, giving Him access to uproot and plant as He sees fit. This is one heart surgery where the patient remains awake. I must see my present reality in order to enter an transcendent one. Repentance and obedience are the steps of ascension. 

My Father sees the potential of conformity to Christ in my heart; the next episode of “glory” in the “From Glory to Glory” series. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor.3:18)

Even as He extracts gold from the “same” troubled area in my soul, one that we’ve been working on for decades, He is unmoved in His vigor.

I mine the depths in God. He mines the depths in me. I love this partnership.