I Just Can’t Wait!
Psalm 122:3-5 (NLT)
Jerusalem is a well-built city;
its seamless walls cannot be breached.
All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—
make their pilgrimage here.
They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
Have you ever waited for something good so long that you just didn’t think you could wait any longer? I have! When I was in elementary school, it was September and since my birthday is in September, my parents said that if I started school and maintained good grades, I would get a “fancy, brand new, super style, and fast” bicycle for my birthday! I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself!
As the days went by, my birthday came and that evening -- there sat my bicycle. Of course, I had to ride it to show my friends and was so excited and proud of that bike UNTIL I rode it over a board that went across an open sewer. I was showing off and then the tire flipped and dumped both me and the brand-new bike into that sewer! I will let you imagine what my mother’s shock was when I approached the house; it wasn’t pretty!
As I look back, I realize how much attention and desire we can have for nice, materialistic things instead of looking for the heavenly things. I just couldn’t wait to get that bike, but when I did and something happened to it, I was dejected. My “gift” was not as attractive as it used to be.
We also long to see Jesus and Heaven; we long for peace and joy to the point that some days we just can’t wait. Then something happens, and it just isn’t as joyful as it seemed earlier. In the Psalms, David had encountered many trials and disappointments, but he still felt the grand protection and love of the Father. Specifically, he solidified this belief in stating that “Jerusalem is built like a city that is compacted together...the tribes of the Lord—to praise the name of the Lord...”
Peace was there! What joy to know this! What joy that God has provided a gift for us as Advent comes closer. What joy knowing that one day we too will stand at the thrones of God and see Him face to face. All of this we renew each year as we await, even when we just can’t wait, for the King of Kings to come again! Even so Lord Jesus, Come.
Prayer: Jesus, as we again celebrate this season of waiting, may our eyes see your glory and majesty during these days in a new, wonderful way. May we be willing to share with others this joy so they too will know your salvation. Amen.
As the days went by, my birthday came and that evening -- there sat my bicycle. Of course, I had to ride it to show my friends and was so excited and proud of that bike UNTIL I rode it over a board that went across an open sewer. I was showing off and then the tire flipped and dumped both me and the brand-new bike into that sewer! I will let you imagine what my mother’s shock was when I approached the house; it wasn’t pretty!
As I look back, I realize how much attention and desire we can have for nice, materialistic things instead of looking for the heavenly things. I just couldn’t wait to get that bike, but when I did and something happened to it, I was dejected. My “gift” was not as attractive as it used to be.
We also long to see Jesus and Heaven; we long for peace and joy to the point that some days we just can’t wait. Then something happens, and it just isn’t as joyful as it seemed earlier. In the Psalms, David had encountered many trials and disappointments, but he still felt the grand protection and love of the Father. Specifically, he solidified this belief in stating that “Jerusalem is built like a city that is compacted together...the tribes of the Lord—to praise the name of the Lord...”
Peace was there! What joy to know this! What joy that God has provided a gift for us as Advent comes closer. What joy knowing that one day we too will stand at the thrones of God and see Him face to face. All of this we renew each year as we await, even when we just can’t wait, for the King of Kings to come again! Even so Lord Jesus, Come.
Prayer: Jesus, as we again celebrate this season of waiting, may our eyes see your glory and majesty during these days in a new, wonderful way. May we be willing to share with others this joy so they too will know your salvation. Amen.
Michael L. Branch, Mt. Pleasant/Burnt Hill United Methodist Church, Williamstown, WV mlbranc@hotmail.com, Certified Lay Minister; Parish Coordinator; Lay Equalization 2021
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