You can’t start the party until everyone’s there

Kia ora koutou!

This Sunday Richard shared with us a message about longing for the fulfilment of God’s promises. We heard about Anna and Simeon who had waited years to meet the Messiah. When they saw the boy Jesus presented at the Temple this promise was fulfilled, but only in part. They got to see Jesus, but they probably never lived to see his ministry, his death or resurrection. In the same way, we get to see glimpses of God’s kingdom here and now but we also find ourselves longing for Jesus to return and to make all things new, as He has promised - of course we do!

But Richard reminded us of the very good reason that we don’t get to see all that we long for, right now: “you can’t start the party until everyone’s there”. As it says in 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT), “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

So, let’s get the invitation out there, and bring everyone into the party! And, as always, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Anna