Read 2 Peter 3: 8-15
8 Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. 9 The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a dreadful noise, the elements will be consumed by fire, and the earth and all the works done on it will be exposed.
Why are we always in such a rush? In today’s world, with social media, twenty-four hour news alerts, and a seemingly endless stream of videos, we have been conditioned to expect instant access to information. We rush from place to place checking phones for messages calls and other alerts in order to meet the next deadline, or ensure we have the most current information. During the holiday season we all seem to rush even more, at least I do, trying to be sure everything is ready for holiday celebrations and gatherings.
In the lectionary text for this week, we read in 2 Peter, “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.”. In many places throughout the bible, there are lessons that try to teach us patience. Why is patience so difficult? In todays world, we could blame technology or the constant streams of information, but people have obviously been struggling with patience for a very long time.
When we talk with God, are we expecting instant answers? There are times we are probably all guilty of thinking, “God isn’t listening” or “Why me God”, during times of stress or when we are discouraged. If we learn and practice patience, God will answer our prayers in his way, and in his time. During the season of advent we are told to be patient and prepare for the coming of the Lord. In today’s commercialized culture, we often stress and lose patience in order to be sure everything is ready for Christmas. But, if we try to keep the true reasons for advent in our hearts and minds, with patience, we will be able to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.
This year is especially different. With concerns of the Covid-19 virus, many plans have been changed in order to keep people safe and healthy. This year we will need patience in our lives more than ever. Patience is one thing that will help us to work through each day as we prepare, not only for the coming of the Lord, but to continue to ensure our families and our church are safe and prepared. God bless each and every one of you!
Hulse Budd
No comments:
Post a Comment