Listen

The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Think

Program leaders are often charged with moving their group from one thing to the next. When the day is filled with activities, staying on time is essential. One commonly taught technique is to give a pre-warning when a session is about to end. You might hear the leader say something like “okay everyone, in 5 minutes we will begin to clean – time to wrap up what you’re doing!” This warning helps people break away from their time of focused activity so they can prepare to move on to the next thing.

In today’s passage, I hear a familiar call from God. “The time is coming,” we hear – and our ears perk up. God declares that it is nearly time for a “gracious promise” to be fulfilled, and our job is to prepare. Good things are on the way.

Paris Ball

Pray

God of creation and re-creation, I hear your call.

The time is coming, you say, and I am listening.

Please help me stay focused on you and your dream for this world. May I not become so engrossed in my own tasks that I miss your warning.

Help me hear. Amen.

Go

As we depart from this time of prayer and reflection
may we be attentive to the moments ahead

May we receive the world with
courage and compassion

May we treat ourselves with
loving kindness

May hope guide us,
for the Lord is coming!