Abraham was unique for his time. In a polytheistic world, he listened to that one still, small voice and led the charge for monotheism as we know it today. God told Abraham not to fear because He had a plan for Abraham and his offspring. It’s easy to understand Abraham’s incredulity: he has no children, and his wife is well beyond child-bearing years. God makes Abraham a promise, that if Abraham trusts in Him, Abraham’s descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and will have their own kingdom in due time as a reward for their faith.

In Psalm 27, it is clear that by the time of King David’s rule, the faith of Abraham is clearly ingrained in the lives and realities of his descendants. Instead of God telling David not to fear as He told Abraham, David already knows that he has nothing to fear because of his faith in the Lord. He knows God will provide for him and protect him all of his days. God has proved this time and time again to His faithful followers, but David is impatient. He knows that he can’t control the timing of God’s blessings. So, like Abraham before him, David must remain patience and faithful.

In the reading from Luke, Jesus knows it is not his time yet to die, and he will not be bullied by the Pharisees. He knows the timing is the Lord’s, not the Pharisees’ or Herod’s. By this point in the scripture, Jesus knows his fate and destiny. Jesus knows he must wait and keep the faith for his purpose is to provide the ultimate salvation for all mankind—something that neither Abraham nor David could fulfill. It wasn’t their time or purpose.

So, remember, “wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

Hall and Leslie Carter

Appointed readings for today: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Luke 13:31-35