We live in a culture that does not do well with time. Sure, we're obsessed with time. We pay close attention to time. We are expected to make good use of time -- and may think of that in terms of over-scheduling. And we like to do things faster. So another approach to time may not make sense to us.
Jesus taught us about the kingdom of God, explaining that it is like things that cannot be rushed: growing seeds in a field, growing a mustard plant in a garden, baking bread. They take their time. Going faster can spoil things that are growing at their own pace.
In this week's reading in church, we read of Mary and Elizabeth -- both pregnant -- meeting each other. Babies are another thing that takes time. They take the better part of a year to grow to full term. We know how long to expect, and the end of the wait is usually blessed, in the fullness of time.
God challenges our faith in his promises to be as fixed as the faith of a pregnant woman: someone who knows that the fullness of time will come, and at the end of it a child is born. The present hardships are not to be compared with the good that is to come; in fact, they will be forgotten in the light of what comes after.
Come, Lord Jesus!
No, we don't do well with time. Philip Yancey pointed out that Jesus was late for two meetings, but this made it possible for him to raise 2 people from death. He also was unperturbed by hindrances from the woman with the issue of blood, and Bartimaeus.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel impatient, that he is later than I want for the next meeting. Though as they say, be careful what you wish for. ;)
ReplyDeleteTake care & God bless
Anne / WF