U2 and Expectant Faith

This summer I went to a U2 concert in Edmonton.

It was an event that was of a scale that could easily be described as "grand".  It was large and impressive in every way:  biggest stage set-up, massive venue, huge crowd, and even the expectation was off the charts.  And that made me begin to think. . . .

There were people there who had shown up the day before and set up tents so they could have the chance to buy tickets for the 'spit zone'.  That means being able to be so close to where Bono would be singing they would be able to enjoy a personal shower from the exuberant singer as he passionately belted out their band's greatest hits. 

Now that is expectant faith.  These people were committed to sacrificing for something they simply knew would be worth it.  They didn't hesitate in putting themselves out there, enduring cold weather or rain or discomfort because they were confident their efforts would be rewarded.  And by the way, the show was amazing!

But, I have to ask myself, why is it that we don't have the same kind of expectancy when we go to church?  Yes, I understand that church is something that happens regularly and doesn't have the same kind of excitement as a one-time event like the concert I described.  But, I still have to ask the question: why is it that our faith--that is, our beliefs and trust in something beyond ourselves, is so limited when it comes to expectations of God while we sit in a pew?

I suppose some of the blame should rest on leadership, but I still wonder what's missing?  After all, I don't remember Bono making a long list of promises guaranteeing that he would be offering something that you could trust would make long-lasting impact in our lives.  He didn't make any claims that his show would transform hearts and lead people to revelations that would alter patterns of thought and bring freedom to our hearts!  And yet, there they were--the people whose faith and expectancy were driving them to camp-out for a day in order to be as close to him as possible.

When we come to church to hear about the claims Jesus makes, shouldn't this cause some kind of expectancy to rise in us?  He makes reference to being not only a man but God himself!  The God who created me and designed me to be in relationship with Him.  He says to me that I have challenges within me that hinder me in this relationship, but that He has provided a supernatural power called the Holy Spirit to come and be a resident presence in me to help me overcome these challenges so that I may be free to enjoy pure and joyful relationship!

Shouldn't this cause us to come to church with an expectancy that His promises will really make a difference in me?  And yet, we sit as close to the back of the church as possible. . . . .

I don't want to sound too negative, but I think God deserves more from us.  I don't think we necessarily have to camp-out over night to honor Him, but we should be willing to take a look at ourselves and ask the question:  if God's claims are true, and He is a God who not only makes many promises that affect me positively but tells me that He is willing to act on them, then maybe my expectancy regarding Him should reflect that?

Lord, help us to break through the fog that prevents us from living in the joy and life that you desire for us.  Forgive us when we honor things of this world far more than you.  We really are like little children who don't know what's best for us.  Help us to be humble enough to admit our need, and build up in us a desire to desire You.  Cause our hearts to be filled with expectancy that what you promise, you will do.

BT