Worth Waiting For
Scripture Reading — Matthew 25:1-13
“The bridegroom was a long time in coming. . . . Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Sometimes people will wait, and wait, and wait.
The hosts of a news show described how people waited for hours in the rain because they’d heard a rumor that a famous entertainer would give a surprise concert that night. Another host told of a time he’d been in an amusement park when a ride was delayed by mechanical problems. Even though the people in line knew it could take hours, not one person moved out of the line.
Sometimes during Advent we forget that people will wait. We think we must build anticipation to get people ready for Christmas. We fear that without it many will be unprepared, like the unwise maidens in Jesus’ parable. But the long lines of people who greet the release of the latest smartphone remind us that people will wait if the promise is good enough.
How much more we should anticipate the coming of God’s kingdom! Jesus compares the kingdom to a wedding feast, a great banquet, or the return of a king. When Jesus comes again, our deepest hopes will be realized and our greatest sorrows will be eased. What’s more, God has shown us this in the life of Jesus and allows us to taste the joy of his kingdom even now.
People will wait for hours on the strength of a mere rumor. But our waiting for Christ is based on much more. Jesus has come, and he will come again!
Almighty God, assure us that your kingdom is worth waiting for, and help us to be ready for your coming again. Amen.
About the author — Norman Visser
Norman Visser has served as a pastor of churches in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and South Dakota. He states that while he is “not known for waiting patiently,” he is “working on it.” Norman and his wife, Marcia, have three children.
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