Growing up baseball was the National past time. Lately the NFL would like
you to think it has the new title, but some how “apple pie, football, hot dogs
and NFL,” doesn’t roll off the tongue. And in this age of victims, the “I can’t
because I’m ______________” or “because you’re _________” we need to reach a
common ground, one that defies sex, age, financial and social position, one that
can be done using simple hand tools and without the help, I mean interference of
the government. It must be easy to do, require no training so anyone in the
hood can do it, and not be restricted to a certain season or time. I have come
up with the answer, and it has been here for awhile, really in front of us the
whole time, so close we never realized it. It is, are you ready, waiting in
line.”
From going to the bank, to going to the ladies room, to standing in line to
fill out a government form, while waiting to be next to use the computer, we all
wait in line. Go to the car wash, a line. The ATM, a line. Fast food, a
line. Trying to get to your car after church, a line. Is it possible that
waiting in line is already our national past time and we don’t know it? Can we
turn the sport of waiting in line into a competition? From teams, see who gets
served first, bets placed with bookies in Vegas, seeing who has the better
skills at picking the best line. Add it to the Super Bowl activities, who can
get to the head first at half time? Who can eat his $25 hot dog the fastest and
return in line for another? Who can find his car in the parking lot first?
Which valet attendant is quickest, and which line do I stand in to get him. Of
course that may be the longest line, which just adds to the spirit of
competition. We can get corporate backing, t-shirts and hat, shortest wait and
longest wait, and endurance race. Imagine the action at the welfare office,
studying the room to see which line moves the fastest, writing a book on how to
effectively wait in line, a guest shot on Oprah, and waiting in the wings for
your appearance. Even grannies and old folks can do it, the handicapped, and
those who are dyslexic. The possibilities are endless, just take a number and
stand in line. And hope you aren’t in the bathroom when your number is called.
And you have to start over again, waiting.
Doesn’t scripture proclaim “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength?” Can I see a whole series of sermons, I can’t wait till next week.
Get there early for the best seat, again standing in line. The possibilities
are endless, and cost effective. But many today use the excuse of waiting, when
they are really delaying. “I’ll get saved after I do everything I want in
life,” is not waiting, that is delaying. Putting off praying or ministering to
a friend, until it fits your schedule, that’s delaying. But looking for the
opportunity to serve, when God opens the door, that is waiting on him. See the
difference, we are wise to your excuses. But wait a minute.....
When Jesus fed the 5000, it is never mentioned how. Were they served
cafeteria style, buffet style, “do you want tartar sauce with that?” or were the
serving portions brought to the table? It does say that 12 baskets of bread and
fish were picked up after, I assume they waited until the crowd was gone, or at
least done. Till the lines got shorter. I cannot see the apostles working the
crowd, “hurry up, it’s getting dark.” Also no mention of porta potties or
bathrooms. “Wait honey, the line is long.” If only I hadn’t delayed getting in
line earlier. Maybe there is a difference between waiting and delaying. Try
substituting delaying for waiting in the above scripture, “those that delay upon
the Lord,” don’t renew their strength, maybe we see a truth about us we don’t
want to. God is patient that none should perish, so what’s your delay? Could
delaying be the cause of your weakness? Maybe just standing in the wrong line,
of scoffers and sinners, who will not see God. And an international past time,
denying God, is formed. Funny how there are no lines for denying him. So how
do you spend your free time, what is you past time? Is the best you can offer,
“wait a minute, I’ll do it when I get a chance?” Lines forming now, get there
early for your best place in it, and no matter what, you will wait. Or you can
accept him now, and find out “why did I wait so long?” Something to consider
while in line on the 405 parking lot we call a freeway, at least waiting in
line, or on the freeway, you are never alone. Maybe waiting in line is the
cause for loneliness. Now, what would be a catchy title? A Kindle version to
read in your i-pod while waiting in line, an audio for when driving. I don’t
see a line forming for this, yet.
Scripture tells us the Jews seek signs, the Gentiles seek wisdom. You
don’t have to wait in line, or wait at all to know Jesus. But you can delay.
Many have and it has been disastrous for them, if only they hadn’t delayed,
before it was too late. The word delay is mentioned 14 times in the NKJV,
referring to “hurry up,” now means now, or even 5 minutes ago. What happened?
Wait is mentioned 94 times, in reference to being patient. To me it says, “if
he hadn’t waited until I was saved, it was hell for me.” God doesn’t delay, he
is waiting for you. Today is that day of salvation for many, but also death and
hell for those who delayed. You can come to Jesus just as you are, using all
the criteria for waiting. Just don’t delay. Don’t get in the wrong line, or
even fall for the wrong line. Like the line for the bathroom, when you gotta
go, you gotta go. While just waiting for the magic word, “NEXT!”
Meanwhile at the DMV....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com