Matthew: Where is God in the Waiting?

Listen along as we continue our journey through Matthew's gospel account.

Notes/Quotes:

Matt 13:24-43

 "A parable is a story or saying that illustrates a truth using comparison, hyperbole, or simile. Additionally a parable can be a model, analogy, or example.” - Lexham Bible Dictionary

“We have lost the ability to create metaphors for life. We have lost the ability to give shape to things, to recognize the events around us, and in us, let alone to interpret them.” - Friedensreich Hundertwasser

“Everyday moments of epiphany are bestowed on everyone. Our role is to simply learn to pay attention. It is remarkable how often the parables handed down to us from Jesus end with the words: “Consider carefully how you listen,” and “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” - Martin Schleske 

(bread pic)

“There is a kind of madness commensurate with being a disciple of Jesus. To see the world, to understand that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard see requires a people who refuse to be hurried. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed or yeast because to be drawn into the kingdom of heaven is to participate in God’s patience toward his creation. Jesus is teaching us to see the significance of the insignificant. Jesus, after all, at this point in his ministry is not even commanding the attention of the Roman authorities. From the perspective of those in power, Jesus is no more than a confusing prophet to a defeated people in a backwater of the Roman Empire.” - Stanley Hauerwas

2 Peter 3:8-9

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

“Part of the practice of modest faith, in times of suffering, is relinquishing our right to answers. God has never promised to explain himself, but he has promised to stay near. I will never leave, he says; I will never forsake. I am the friend that sticks closer than your brother. Do not think me unmoved by your grief. These are the faithful assurances of God as we have them in Scripture, and here is even more hope available to those willing to search it out. But let’s not be fooled to think that God has promised things like: it will get better, you’ll soon see the purpose behind this pain, there’s never more than you can handle. Often it does get better; often we do see purpose; always there is sufficient grace. But lament must practice the modest faith of finding sufficient that which God provides, even if, in seasons of great sorrow, it may not seem like enough.” Jen Pollack Michel