Calvary Episcopal Church
Memphis, Tennessee
THE CHRONICLE
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
November 12, 2000
Volume 45, No.40

Patience Is a Virtue
I have thought long and hard about some characters of Scripture whom we know very little about, yet we could readily identify with their struggles in life. As I went through my mental Roladex of Biblical names, I unearthed some guy from the New Testament by the name of Simeon. I realize that although Simeon is given a snapshot moment in the Gospel of Luke, it is nevertheless a moment that is forever etched on the heart of Simeon and on the hearts of the whole people of God.

Simeon's life in many ways resembles the lives of the Old Testament prophets Eli and Samuel. Both of these loyal servants of the Most High God commit themselves, their lives and their ministries to serving God by maintaining worship at the Temple. The two prophets spend every waking (and sleeping) moment in the presence of God, not wanting to miss the moment when the hand of God will move. Out of their persistent faith, both rise to become two of the greatest leaders in all of Israel.

Simeon's life is remarkable as he too is willing to dedicate and consecrate his life to waiting in the Temple until God decides to reveal God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ. Luke tells us that Simeon was perhaps busy with his daily chores and prompted by the Holy Spirit to "rush" to the Temple. This nudging by the Holy Spirit perhaps seems different than those previous calls. Simeon knows that something special is about to happen, and he is to become a part of the Moment.

Simeon drops whatever he's doing that moment, and "looking forward" to the coming of Israel's Saviour rushes off to the Temple. God's promise to Simeon is that "he would not see death before he has seen the Lord's Messiah." It now appears that God is about to fulfill a promise made to his faithful servant, Simeon.

Like Simeon, we too should have the zeal and inspiration to wait on God's promise to be made manifest in our lives. So often, we become impatient with God and decide not to wait on God's good timing. However, the lesson learned is that truly "good things come to those who wait." Simeon's faith in the Word of God blesses him immeasurably. Our faith in God's Word will bless us in ways we have yet to experience.

May God grant each of us the patience to "look forward" to the coming of God's Kingdom.

Peace,
Allen Robinson+