Meditation from Robert
A Place At The Table
Romans 8:24-25
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, as we approach Easter a word that rises like a banner over us is hope. The Scripture tells us that we are saved by this Hope. Many of us are also motivated by this Hope and yet the Scripture has a juxtaposition of words that may give us some guidance, eagerly and wait.
Eager - Having or showing keen interest, intense desire, or impatient
expectancy
Wait - To remain or rest in expectation
As I talk with people in our congregation, one of the themes of conversation seems to revolve around the eagerness to serve and resting in the expectation of when to serve. Many of us tend to move into action quickly which leads to a loss of eagerness. Our spiritual life can grow greatly when we learn to wait, even when we sense an answer to our prayer. Waiting, this remaining in the place of expectation, for the Spirit has always been difficult, and yet when the Spirit moves us from our eager-waiting place into action, the harvest is beyond our expectations. In the first chapter of the book of Acts Jesus says, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
As we prayerfully consider God’s direction for us, some foundational elements are crucial: 1) Prayer, 2) the counsel of others and 3) waiting.
Lent is a time to practice waiting. We eagerly wait for our Hope who does not disappoint us. He will not forget us or keep us out of serving Him. He will send His Holy Spirit and His Spirit will bring movement in our lives and the abundance of fruit we desire.
Romans 8:24-25
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, as we approach Easter a word that rises like a banner over us is hope. The Scripture tells us that we are saved by this Hope. Many of us are also motivated by this Hope and yet the Scripture has a juxtaposition of words that may give us some guidance, eagerly and wait.
Eager - Having or showing keen interest, intense desire, or impatient
expectancy
Wait - To remain or rest in expectation
As I talk with people in our congregation, one of the themes of conversation seems to revolve around the eagerness to serve and resting in the expectation of when to serve. Many of us tend to move into action quickly which leads to a loss of eagerness. Our spiritual life can grow greatly when we learn to wait, even when we sense an answer to our prayer. Waiting, this remaining in the place of expectation, for the Spirit has always been difficult, and yet when the Spirit moves us from our eager-waiting place into action, the harvest is beyond our expectations. In the first chapter of the book of Acts Jesus says, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
As we prayerfully consider God’s direction for us, some foundational elements are crucial: 1) Prayer, 2) the counsel of others and 3) waiting.
Lent is a time to practice waiting. We eagerly wait for our Hope who does not disappoint us. He will not forget us or keep us out of serving Him. He will send His Holy Spirit and His Spirit will bring movement in our lives and the abundance of fruit we desire.
posted by Pat | 9:30 PM
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