Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, December 22, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Having to wait can make things much sweeter. This section of Ezra outlines all the frustrations and challenges of finally getting the temple in Jerusalem rebuilt following the Babylonian exile. From the excitement of the laying of the foundation to the numerous roadblocks thrown up by the locals to the cessation of construction under Artaxerxes, to the final go-ahead by Darius, it was an exercise in patience. Then, at long last, the temple was completed, and the people celebrated.
I sometimes struggle with patience. When I figure out what it is I want, I want it… well… now. And a lot of the time, it’s simply not up to me. There are circumstances I can’t control, roadblocks in the way, or it’s just going to take time. This is when I have to pray for patience, and trust that all good things can and do happen in God’s time, not on my schedule. If I can let go of control and just take the next right indicated action, I can move on with what’s in front of me to do and leave the rest to God. In those times, when whatever it is I was hoping to do or be or have finally comes to fruition, the outcome is so much more rewarding for having had to wait. It makes me truly value what’s happened, and elevates my state of gratitude to God. Like the Jews dedicating the temple, I can celebrate it with joy!
What have I had to wait for in life? Did waiting make the outcome more rewarding for me?
