Adult Object Lesson: Luke 21:5-19, Malachi 4:1-2a, Psalm 98, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Wait A Minute or Two…or a Millennium or Two
Revere, Work and Rejoice
There is an inter-weaving element in each of this Sunday’s Lectionary Readings. What do we do while we wait?
Waiting is a big part of life. Ask any expectant mother. Ask any traveler. Ask any schoolchild, patient, or road-raged driver.
The need to wait is a given. While it is an annoyance to modern thinking, waiting was once woven into our culture. All the stories from long ago were told around the hearth while people waited for the sun to rise or winter to end.
The object today can be a timer or alarm clock. As you begin your talk set your timer for however long you think your lesson will be. Add a minute or two.
You’ll be talking while you wait for the alarm to sound.
The Jews listening to Jesus were waiting for the Messiah. Today we are waiting for his return.
Talk about the ominous nature of Jesus’ message. Their beloved temple would be destroyed. When? They wanted to know.
Malachi has a similar message of gloom. But he leaves them with a promise. Those who revere the Lord will know righteousness. They will leap like calves from the stall as other are reduced to stubble. Revere the Lord while you wait.
Paul and the apostles address waiting Thessalonians to keep busy. Work. The end may be near but we still have to work. Work while you wait.
Psalm 98 gives another tip for those who wait upon decisions that lie in the hands of God alone.
Rejoice.
By the time you’ve made these points you should still have a minute or two left before your timer or alarm goes off. What should your congregation do while they wait?
Ask them to sing a joyful hymn—of their choice. Or ask them to tell a story. Let them practice using their waiting time for good.
Any questions? Ask them to wait ’til the end of the service. 