“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;
it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land
and would sleep and rise night and day
and the seed would sprout and grow,
he knows not how.
As I visit with patients in the VA hospital, I hear many complaints of no particular nature. Few are unhappy with the VA but some name this or that problem, or tell me a story about a difficult discussion with a doctor or therapist. So far as I can tell they come down to two spiritual challenges: waiting and not knowing.
The doctors have ordered their tests. The tests are scheduled; some are completed; others are pending. Now we wait for results. The technologists who conduct the C-T scans, MRIs, echo-cardiograms, and take blood samples are pleasant and courteous but say nothing. They only send their data to the doctors who determine what they mean.
And the patient waits. And the patient doesn't know what it all means. When will they be discharged? Where will they go from the hospital? Can they return to the life they've known, or will they have to make radical changes.
Waiting and not knowing.
Jesus's farmers might sleep with more assurance but they too must wait for the crop to ripen. And they don't know whether the crop will be abundant or scarce. Much depends on the weather. And as much, or more, depends upon the mercurial market. Even a rich harvest can disappoint if prices are low.
Human life is like that. I'm sure there have been golden ages when political structures were stable, foreign enemies were held at bay, the weather was reliable, and the economy was predictable. Some people say that ancient Egypt, before the Roman incursions, enjoyed several millennia of peaceful tranquility. Even enemy invaders were neutralized and accepted the more civilized, Egyptian way of life. Some people remember the post-war Pax Americana as if all Americans enjoyed security at home and peace abroad.
But humans are rarely content for very long. We like to shake things up when they get too stable. And our frail bodies, persistently walking on two legs rather than four, must finally succumb to gravity.
Today's selection from Hebrews reminds us that we have suffered religious persecution in the past, and it might happen again. That should come as no surprise to Christians.
So we wait and do not know what must come.
And, all the while, Jesus assures us, "The Kingdom of God is at hand." This will be beautiful. Just wait and watch. You'll see!
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.