October 8th Reflection - Wait - by Bill Lynch

Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7
These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Reflection
Make the best of what you have been given. Take your place in life and do with it the best God enables you to do. Work for the Lord in place and in time. Serve God where you are and with all of your means.

Jeremiah sent this letter to a large number of Israelites that had been carried away in exile to Babylon. There was the king, Jehoiachin, priests, prophets and a whole household of people along with other's involved as well. False prophets had begun to send a message that there would be a quick return to Jerusalem and the land of the people. This time was not about a speedy return. This time was about waiting on God. The Israelites had abandoned God in Judah and Israel for false gods. This was not about another easy quick solution to the troubles of life. This was a time to wait on God.

Yes, God would restore the people to Israel, but for now, the command was to wait. Live in the place God had placed them.

Likewise, I wait, in this foreign land. I wait for the promise of a life in another place that is made free of sin, death and selfishness. I wait, but I live in the present with God. I live in the present place with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I wait in the hope of what is to come, yet work and live for God in the here and now. Yes, we are called to wait in hope and anticipation of God's fulfillment of his glory in this place and in the place to come. It's a wait with hope. A wait with life. A wait with the presence of God in the here and now with the hope of what is to come.

Prayer
Lord, give me the patience to wait. To wait in hope, faith and love of you. I wait upon your coming to me today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen