"Don't Be in Such a Hurry!"

“Don’t Be in Such a Hurry!”

On an episode of the 1980’s sitcom “Mr. Belvedere” the featured family’s teenage son was concerned that supper would run into his “hot date” time. He saw on a recipe card that the meat was to roast at 325F for 2½ hours. He thought it would cook faster at a higher temperature so turned the oven up to 475F. The result was a visit from the Fire Department when the smoke alarm went off. (P.S.—he didn’t make it to his date!)

Some foods and beverages take a certain amount of time before being ready for sale. Cheeses age from a few days to several years. Karen and I once visited a distillery (it was part of a tour of St. Augustine so don’t get the wrong idea) where we learned that bourbon is placed in oak barrels for four years before shipping. Neither process can be rushed if a quality product is to be the end result so patience is required.

I hate to admit it, but patience isn’t my strong suit. I get frustrated waiting on lines, at traffic lights and when a project takes longer than I think it should. As I prepared to write this article God reminded me of the Israelites’ crossing the Jordan River and entering Canaan, the land God had promised Abraham’s descendants (see Genesis 12:6-7). What an exciting time that must have been! I can envision the people saying, “Let’s go! What are we waiting for?” (I’d likely have been in the “Amen” section!)  But God said, “Wait! Don’t be in such a hurry! There are some things you have to learn from Me first!” So He led them to Gilgal where, among other things, the rite of circumcision and observance of the Passover were restored after not being practiced during the 40 years in the wilderness. (Read Joshua 4 and 5 for the full account.) Once the nation’s relationship with God was renewed the conquest of Canaan could start, beginning with Jericho.

The phrase “Wait on the Lord” (with some variations) appears many times in Scripture. Perhaps the two most familiar are “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14, emphasis added) and “…They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength….” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV, emphasis added). Why wait? Because God’s timing is always right (e.g. “…When the right time came, God send his Son….”—Galatians 4:4, emphasis added) and “My times are in (God’s) hands….”—Psalm 31:15, emphasis added).

 

My toes hurt! How about yours?

(For another look at this theme check the earlier posting, “Always on Time”.)

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan