It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

But When?, 2 Esdras 4:33-53

Esdras then asked, "How long?"

The answer was: Don't be in a bigger hurry than the Most High. The righteous will be rewarded at the right time.

Esdras responded "All of us have sinned. Are our sins delaying the saving of the righteous?"

Urial answered: "Go ask a pregnant woman if she can keep her fetus in the womb for longer than nine months." When Esdras agreed that she couldn't, Uriel said that just as a woman wants to get the labor over so those chambers holding the souls want to get them out. He added, "Then the things that you desire to see will be disclosed to you."

Esdras wanted to know what was to come.  A vision appeared, a flaming furnace passing by, leaving smoke behind. A heavy rainstorm came and passed, leaving drops in the cloud.

Uriel said, "Consider for yourself. Just as rain is more than the drops and the fire greater than the smoke."

Esdras then asked if he would live long enough to see the last days, if anybody would.

Uriel answered "I don't know."

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