It Is Hard to Wait for You, O God--Oct. 10, 2012

 Waiting has its hazards, especially waiting for you.

If we wait a long time we may even forget you

and build palaces in which to live in luxury,

protecting ourselves with fortified cities.

Waiting too long, we may not discern your arrival.

(Even John the Baptist asked, is it really you?)

Still, St. Paul waited long for his accusers;

and he was able to remain loyal to you.

God, your steadfast love is established forever;

your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.

How can we forget or grow impatient?

Give us staying power like Paul's.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 89:1-18; 147:1-11; 1; 33

Hosea 8:1-14

Acts 23:23-35

Luke 7:18-35

 

Selected Verses

Ps. 89:2

I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;
          your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.

Hosea 8:14

Israel has forgotten his Maker, and built palaces; and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I [the LORD] will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour his strongholds.

Acts 23:35

…[Felix] said, "I will give you [Paul] a hearing when your accusers arrive."  Then he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod's headquarters.

Luke 7:18-19

The disciples of John reported all these things to him.  So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"