To Wait for Justice, or to Act?--Jan. 8, 2013

Sometimes, O God, it takes more courage to wait

for you to speak than it does to start on our way.

I know it displeases you when there is no justice,

but do we wait for you to bring it, or do we act?

It is best to act with you when you say to do so--

of course I know that, but am "hard of hearing."

When I do not hear your word, let me be strong

and wait until I do; if the word I then receive is

hidden manna, known only to me, let my heart

remember--justice long delayed is not justice.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 47; 146; 27; 93

Isa. 59:15b-21

Rev. 2:8-17

John 4:46-54

Selected Verses

Ps. 27:14

Wait for the LORD;
          be strong, and let your heart take courage;
          wait for the LORD!

Isa. 59:15b

The LORD saw [no one to intervene], and it displeased him
            that there was no justice.

Rev. 2:17b

"…To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”  [He who has the sharp two-edged sword, to the angel of the church in Pergamum]

John 4:50

Jesus said to [the royal official], “Go; your son will live.”  The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way.