February 15, 2026

God is waiting

The Gospel of Matthew 2:19-21

After King Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.’ So, he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Dear readers,

today's stamp from Germany depicts a flute clock. These clocks are precious works of art. Not only do they show the time during the day, but they also play a beautiful melody at a special time. 

In Psalm 31, the musician David writes: “My times are in your hands.” David was aware that every hour of life is a gift from God. For many Christians, these words from the psalm are still a source of comfort today. We Christians know that our life on this earth is finite. Our life is entirely in God's hands. That gives us peace and security.

I don't know whether Herod the “Great” also saw his life as being in God's hands. He died at the blessed age of 70. God had given to him, who was often a very cruel ruler, a long life. I see this as God's longsuffering toward him. God is also patient with people who reject him and despise his will. God says through the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 18:23):

"The Sovereign Lord declares: Do I take any pleasure from the death of a wicked man, rather. am I not pleased when they turn from their false ways and live? “

Still until this day, God waits for people to turn away from their wrongdoing and return to Him. For God's love is boundless. Jesus says (Matthew 9:13): “For I have come to call the sinners and not the righteous. “

On the cross at Golgotha, Jesus shows this love very clearly. He also loves the two men who were bound to die beside him. Two criminals were executed to his left and his right. One of them remains firm to his old life and has nothing but scorn for Jesus. The other one, however, realizes at the last moment that he is standing on the threshold of eternity. He humbly asks: Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom!

And what is the Lord´s answer? He does not say, “I'm sorry, you should have thought about that earlier, now it's too late.” No! He still loves this poor man even when he is about to die. His promise to him is: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Gospel of Luke 23:43). God eagerly waits for people to take his loving, outstretched hand. God is long-suffering and patient.

Joseph had to wait in Egypt for a while. God had time. Only when Herod and his helpers' time had come to an end, did the time come for Joseph, Mary, and the child to return home.

God waits for us, but no one should keep God waiting. Jesus Christ waits every moment for us to turn to him. For he loves us, you and me, boundlessly.

Thank you very much for visiting me and listening to me. I look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on March 1. May our God bless you and protect you in spirit, soul, and body. And may He bless your time.