No Expectations

Has anyone ever told you to “get off your high horse?”  Medieval soldiers and political leaders mounted large horses as a display of might, power and supremacy.  Being high off the ground, the riders looked down their noses [so to speak] at the commoners below. I don’t know but this may have been followed by "the bigger they are, the harder they fall."

 

Christians must beware of high expectations – that is, expecting too much of this life.  It's dangerous for the righteous of God to anticipate anything other than what is part of God’s plan for us.  The story of Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, is a good example.  This young man, eager to please the LORD, publicly read aloud God's warning of His judgment.  Anticipating some notoriety – making a name for himself – imagine his shock and sorrow when the king ordered his arrest!  This is what God had to say to Baruch, "Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not." (Jeremiah 45:5a).  How often do we confuse who God is with what God does for us?  Truly we must be grateful for God’s blessings but never should we seek His blessings more than Himself!  God explains to Baruch the reward of seeking God rather than God's good blessings: "But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.” (45:5b).  The Believer who seeks good things for himself more than seeking God Himself can expect disappointment.  Trusting God exclusively in whatever circumstance of life – abandoning all expectations – is when life gets sweeter and sweeter.  We then experience the prized life as Christ is lifted high!  There’s something else: no risk of falling off your high horse!