As We Wait
Elaine Poproski Download: Audio
Sunday Reflection
Read Heather Weir’s reflection on this sermon called, “Waiting for the Kingdom” on the Sunday Reflections’ blog.
Sunday Scripture Reading: Luke 12:32-40 (NRSV)
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Read More…
Looking to Sunday
by Elaine Poproski
I have to tell you something about me: I hate waiting. As a kid, waiting for Christmas was almost physically painful, especially once there were presents under the tree. As a grown up, there have been more than a few times when I was sure I knew what was next for me, and I was excited about it, but for various reasons I had to wait before the new thing could begin. The biggest challenge, when I’m waiting for a new thing, is to stay fully present in the current thing.
Waiting and being present in the present is exactly what this Sunday’s scripture reading is about. In Luke 12:32-40, we’re promised God’s kingdom and we’re promised that His kingdom is worth everything we have, everything we are, and everything we can imagine. And then we’re told to wait for it. Even though we have no idea when it’s going to come. Even though we’re never going to know when it’s going to come. Wait for it.
In Isaiah 6, the prophet is sent to the people of Israel, who God promises will not listen or comprehend the words Isaiah will proclaim. And so Isaiah asks God, “How long?” I imagine his question is a plea. I imagine Isaiah speaks this question with the same kind of longing as was in my childish words to my parents in the lead up to Christmas.
When I hear stories of mass shootings, or of refugees fleeing violence and despair, or of abuse and oppression and injustice I find myself echoing Isaiah’s words: How long, O Lord? When I consider our consistent failure to truly care for our widows & orphans – to provide for those among us who cannot provide for themselves, I cry out, “How long, O Lord?” When I hear yet another story of a church that seems to care less about being like Jesus and more about maintaining its privileged position, my tired heart sighs, “How long, O Lord?”
And all I hear in response is this: Wait.
Be vigilant. Be ready. And wait.
As you prepare for Sunday, I would like to suggest that you read through Matthew 5 – 7, which is Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. I’m suggesting this because of how clearly these words paint the picture of God’s kingdom. Because not only is this the thing we’re waiting for – the thing we’re longing for – but it is the way we live while we’re waiting. It’s our instruction manual, in a way, for being present in the present while we wait for what’s yet to come.