Zep 3:1-2, 9-13 / Mt 21:28-32
A shy young man fell in love, but he was utterly tongue-tied whenever he was with the girl. A friend offered some advice: Just memorize some great lines, expressing your total admiration. Something like, When I see your face, time stands still.
It made sense, so for weeks the young man practiced: When I see your face, time stands still. Finally he was ready. He took her to a romantic restaurant. The lights were low. His eyes met hers and he said, When I see your face, I, time, uh He couldnt remember the words. Again he tried, Mary, When I see your face, I, er, I mean Now he was totally flustered, so in desperation he blurted out, Mary, your face could stop a CLOCK.
We laugh, but theres another part of us thats a little sad when we hear a story like that, because it reminds us of all the things, large and small, that were still struggling to get right. After all this time, we say to ourselves, Im still stumbling at the same old places in the road. Same old places. Same old cuts and bruises!
It can be mighty discouraging and can even make us want to give up. But before we do that, it might be a good idea to see what God has to say about it. Hes trying to catch our attention. Hes calling us by name. LISTEN!
Ive been walking at your side from the very beginning, he says, and following your progress with great hope. And thats why I asked Jesus to tell you the story about the two sons. Because you are like the both of them: Sometimes you say yes to me, but then get distracted or tired and your yes accidentally turns into a no.
And sometimes you start with a loud NO! and then your better self takes over and you turn it round into the beginning of a yes maybe a little shaky at first, but a beginning. And that makes me so proud of you, because I know what turnarounds cost.
I know, says the Lord, that sometimes you dont see the progress youre making. You feel disappointed that you havent done better, faster. Dear child, Im not surprised at all. These things take time. I knew that when I made you.
Look at how long it takes ME to make a tree or even a flower! And thats simple when compared to all Im asking you to do. That will take a lifetime of you and me working together. And even when you reach the end of your pilgrimage, I know in advance that Ill have to help you finish up. And I will do just that, I promise.
So dont be discouraged at how much time everything seems to take Just hold to course. Dont look back or waste time worrying about the past. And know that I am with you and that you are in my heart always!
That is Gods word to us! Trust him. God is as good as his word.