Advent V

Not all the Biblical heroes modeled patience.  Abraham became impatient with God who promised him many descendants.  Twenty-five years passed between promise and conception and during those years, Abraham took matters into his own hands.  Aaron who was Moses' right hand guy became impatient while Moses was on the mountain and consented to the people who wanted a God substitute.  The disciples of Jesus were often on another page when it came to slowing down and taking care of people around them.  Their impatience with people and their needs stood in sharp contrast to Jesus who never allowed Himself to get in a tailspin because plans were being disrupted.

 

It is easy for us to join the ranks of those who have been impatient with God and what He was doing.  Who among us has not at some time acted as if we knew better than God what would be best for ourself or another?  Who among us has not berated God for taking so much time to act?  The early texts for Advent remind us that Christ who has come is coming.  It also cautions us about not living in a constant of readiness.  The truth is we seldom take this Word seriously.  We cannot quite get hold of the idea that the delay of God is purposeful.  Since it does not seem none of this is relevant, we run off after whatever it is that is important.  We are too impatient with Him if He is not going to do whatever it is that He is going to do today.

 

What is often forgotten is that patience is about trust.  Patience does not need to tend to its own needs, because it is confident that God is going to do this as He has promised.  The fact of delay is irrelevant.  The relevant thing is that He can be trusted to relate to us according to His Word.  Patience gives us the freedom to live in confidence despite the fact that nothing is really in our control.  Patience enables us to trust in God to act in our lives even though what we see ahead of us is anything but clear.