“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
The psalmist encourages us to wait for the Lord. When the wicked are causing mischief, don’t punish them yourself. Wait for the Lord. When you see sickness and suffering, and when you feel death looming near, don’t despair. Wait for the Lord. Whatever the problem is, wait for the Lord.
Waiting can be difficult. The wait is not fun. One of the reasons we struggle with waiting is that we lack faith. When the Introit tells us to wait on the Lord, it is inviting us to trust God, to believe that He will show up and help us. But that’s just the problem. I find myself doubting God’s promises? I doubt that He will answer my prayers, that He will provide for me, and that He will rescue me.
Jesus had to wait for His Father. He had to endure the scorn of men, the pain of the Cross, and even death itself. He suffered much, but He never despaired. With His last breath He put His life into His Father’s hands. His waiting was not in vain, for the Father raised Jesus from the dead and vindicated Him.
Jesus gives you His Body and Blood in the Sacrament as a reminder that God will do the same for you. This Sacrament will give you the strength to wait and to endure. It is God’s promise that, even if you must bear a most awful cross, God will rescue you in His own time and in His own way.
This Body of God’s Son was crucified and this Blood was shed. Likewise, all of God’s children might bear an awful cross. However, just as the Body of Christ which you ingest was raised and glorified, so, too, your body will be raised and glorified. In the Name ✞ of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
Be patient and await His leisure In cheerful hope, with heart content To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure And His discerning love hath sent, Nor doubt our inmost wants are known To Him who chose us for His own. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
