Patience
Day 364, Sunday, Aug. 10
Jeremiah Chapters 12 and 13
Why does it seem so often that the wicked have a good life?
This is one of Jeremiah’s questions to God.
“You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you.
“Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit.
“Your are always on their lips but far from their hearts.”

It’s that last part that can be so frustrating, as we see people who live contrary to God’s teachings not only live well, but speak of God as though they are followers.
God’s response to Jeremiah, as to us, is essentially, “Be patient.”
Judgement will come, both for the righteous and the unrighteous.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Sunday meditation

Job 19:1-22
Then Job replied: “How long will you torment me and crush me with words? Ten times now you have reproached me; shamelessly you attack me. If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone. If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me and use my humiliation against me, then know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around me.
“Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.
“He has alienated my family from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me. My guests and my female servants count me a foreigner; they look on me as on a stranger. I summon my servant, but he does not answer, though I beg him with my own mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife; I am loathsome to my own family. Even the little boys scorn me; when I appear, they ridicule me. All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me. I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.[a]
“Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me. Why do you pursue me as God does? Will you never get enough of my flesh?

Prayer focus
Lord, let us be patient when we see your judgment delayed, and be grateful for your mercy.