Advent Devotional Day 4: "Pie"-ning for Perfect Timing

December 4:

B.C. verse: Jeremiah 33:14-16

A.D. verse: Psalm 71: 14-16

Christmas Hymn: “I Wonder as I Wander”

Hymn for Today: “My Hope is You” by Third Day

Even though it wasn’t true when we first married, it’s a fact (in my opinion, at least) that I have “skills” when it comes to the kitchen. I am a good cook (most of the time) and an even better baker. One of my specialties is French silk pie. Typically, I make it once or twice a year (Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas) to bring to holiday celebrations. This year, however, I did not, and I quickly was informed that its presence on the dessert table was missed (I whipped one up the next day to appease those who were disappointed).

Yesterday, while some friends and I were discussing baking and cooking during hall duty, I joked that there are two keys to success in either department: 1) always use real butter, and 2) when in doubt, add more cheese. In all seriousness (ok, I’m serious about the butter thing), the key ingredient for success is cooking and baking is time. Yes, ingredients are important too, but time is essential in order for the finished product to be the best that it can be.

This is certainly true with regard to French silk pie. One of the comments people always make about this pie is the texture – its smoothness. Yes, the butter and egg are necessary in order for the magic to happen, but the key to texture success is a solid, no-cheating four minutes of intense mixing.  If one cuts corners and quits mixing too soon, the end result is just not the same.

It’s not just pie that requires a good time investment. The best soups, sauces, and marinades are made in a day, not a few minutes. Even lasagnas and casseroles are better when they sit in the fridge overnight before baked. All the ingredients need time to blend and interact in order for the flavor to reach its epitome. In short, you just can’t rush a good thing.

The verses in Jeremiah prophesy concerning God’s promise of a deliverer. “In those days and at that time, I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety” (15-16). It’s important to note that “in those days” is repeated twice with the phrase, “and at that time,” following close behind.

At the time of Christ’s birth, people were antsy for the promised one to arrive; they awaited “the Lord of Righteousness” who would administer justice (v 16). It seems 2,000+ years later that things haven’t changed; we still are antsy for Him. . .to return. Even so, there are two things He has made clear: 1) He WILL return, and 2) He will do it in His time and according to His schedule.  His timing is perfect, and we have to trust Him. Just like pie, cutting corners and interfering with the timing will compromise the end result.

In the meantime, Psalm 71 reminds us to “tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone” (v. 15-16).

As we patiently wait for God to finish what He has started, we “will always have hope” (Psalm 71:14). We know that our Deliverer’s timing is perfect, and when He says so, we will no doubt taste and see that the Lord is good.

Daily Challenge:  Listen to someone today. No, put away the phone, shut off the TV. . .listen.