Matthew 11:2-5

“When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’” vss. 2-3

John had been waiting all of his life. Religion had let him down. The massive corruption of the temple leaders had driven him into the wilderness where he waited in stillness until he perceived signs that God had acted, and that the messiah was about to come. And now, having been arrested, he wondered if he was going to have to wait some more. Waiting for God is hard! What is it that we should be looking for? A new religion? A new prophet? Jesus told the disciples to pay attention to what they saw and heard. They should look for signs of healing and hope. And it’s not that much different for us! God is breaking into our world and we see God where there is healing, love, and restoration. We hear God where the good news of forgiveness and new life are proclaimed. God doesn’t show up in religion or new doctrines, God explodes into our lives where the hungry are being fed and the homeless housed–God is where good stuff is happening. Sometimes God shows up on Sunday mornings in a church, more often it’s in our interactions and relationships with the people around us–and it can happen any day of the week!

Thought for the Day: What are you waiting for?