Waiting for Something Better
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:22-26
There was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
—Luke 2:25
Traffic jams can bring out the worst in people. Some of us drive more aggressively when traffic gets heavy because we don’t want to be bothered by extra time on the road. Some of us vent our frustrations by honking our horns when people don’t drive the way we would like them to. Sometimes we become so irritated by the stress of driving that we snap at the people riding with us. We feel powerless to make our situation better. We usually just have to wait it out.
Simeon knew that he lived in a sin-stained world. The people of Israel were oppressed by Roman occupation, and Simeon longed to see the arrival of the Messiah, the promised deliverer who would change things. Simeon realized he was powerlessness to change the situation, so he was waiting for God to act. Simeon showed that he believed and trusted in the promises of God.
It is humbling to be in a position of waiting. When we realize we cannot correct all the problems that human sin has brought into our world, we can become frustrated and impatient. Faith in God’s promises offers a glimpse of hope that can help sustain us as we are forced to wait.
In what situations have you had to wait for something better? What have you learned in the process?
Lord God, be patient with us when we become frustrated and irritated by situations in our lives. Give us patience to wait for your good timing. Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
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