CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – The next four Friday’s on Faith will be about Advent, the time of preparation for Christmas. Churchs around the world will light the Candle of Hope this Sunday.
Today consider patience.
I know that I’m not a patient person. If I’m supposed to meet someone and they’re 10 minutes late I’m aware. Having to wait an extra day for something, like a package, is interminably long for me.
And Jews were told to wait for The Messiah – that God, someday, would send a savior. I would find open-ended waiting almost impossible. For how long? Historians estimate that Moses through the tablets of the Ten Commandments down from Mt. Siani more than 4,000 years ago. Modern Judaism dates back to 1800 B.C. And each day Jews are to pray, “Please Yahweh, please send your promised savior.”
Consider what the Prophet Isaiah said of the promised one: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“ But Isaiah did not say when. So God’s people were left to wait.
I know of my own nature that I would have given up. Waiting, perhaps for all of my lifetime, or my childrens’ lifetime, or my childrens’ children would have ceased to be meaningful for me. I can’t help but ask, what if Jesus came and no one was waiting for him.
I’m thankful for the people of that time, from millenia ago, who kept the candle of hope lit in their hearts. I hope it burns brightly for you too. Stay hopeful. Jesus changes everything.
Chris Conley
I hope in this season of giving that you will give to the Gospel TLC in Weston. It’s a one-of-its-kind transitional living home for men who are trying to turn away from addiction. If you’d like to become a regular giver, I have a link here.
The Gospel TLC also has day-to-day needs, like: standard staples, binder clips, scotch tape dispenser refills, men’s Gillette disposable razors, men’s shampoo, saran wrap, Sriracha Hot sauce, Miracle Whip, and small bathroom garbage can liners. Those items can be dropped off at their building near the hospital in Weston on Cross Pointe Boulevard.
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