Ordinary Time: Thursday, July 5, 2007

I hope you each had a wonderful Independence Day

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 13:5-18

We see Saul learn the importance of waiting on the Lord in this passage. Sometimes, don't we just wish the Lord would hurry up? That's what Saul is facing here. He feels like his army is slipping away from him, and if he didn't hurry things along, he'd lose them totally. But, the Lord wanted him to wait.

It's hard when our schedule doesn't mesh with His. We want things done a certain way and at a certain time. The Lord has His way and His time. We just have to wait upon that. It is not easy, it is not fun. But, it is for a reason. His ways are not ours, and His time is always the right time. So, if the answer to that prayer is wait, trust in the Lord, and know that His grace will allow you to wait, until the time is right.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 8:26-40

I love what the eunuch says, why there's water, what's to keep me from being baptized? What a great thought! The Lord has lead him to something, he sees a means to do it, and he does it. He doesn't say, well, I should wait. He doesn't say, the water is not nice enough. He doesn't say, I need to get on home. He simply sees a way to do what he is supposed to do, and he does it.

In life, there are times for thought, times for reflection, and times for action. Saul showed us that every time is not the time for action. The eunuch shows us that when it is time, don't delay. Do what the Lord instructs.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 23:13-25

Pilate knew what was right, knew what was correct, even knew what he wanted to do. Yet, he did not have the courage to do it. Andrew Jackson once wrote that "One man with courage makes a majority." Especially when that one man has the power of the Holy Spirit leading him (or her) into what they are supposed to do. Be strong! Be brave! Know that God is with you, and if He calls you to something, He will give you strength to do it! Be brave, you can do it!