Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, May 17, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Paul aggressively and persistently preached about Jesus and baptized in Jesus’ name. Many who heard listened intently and had their whole houses baptized. Others who heard argued with Paul. When it became clear they were not to be persuaded, he moved on to preach, teach, and debate elsewhere. It took two years for Paul to preach throughout Asia.
We’ve become accustomed to immediate gratification. We can get nearly anything delivered to our doorsteps within a few days. We can have groceries delivered in fewer than two hours. Social media entertainment platforms have time limits for delivering their messages; TikTok’s longest posts are 3 minutes. And if it takes longer than 15 seconds to gain access to a streaming movie, we’re on the phone with the cable company asking what’s the delay.
We like things to happen fast. But sometimes the best things take the longest. Getting a new job can take months. Waiting for a baby takes 9 months. Healing from grief or trauma can take years. Coming to a place in life where you are comfortable in your own skin, don’t care what people think of you, and enjoy the little things can take decades. All these take time to cultivate, but are well worth the wait. What are you cultivating that is taking time?
