Good-bye and Godspeed! Read 2 Peter 3:12-14. "Good-bye" entered the English language in the 16^th century as a shortened version of “God be with ye.” After four centuries, the original meaning is lost as we share words of departure. When we say “Good-bye”, we are actually giving them a blessing. God be with you. "Godspeed" is a word that entered the English language much earlier in the 13^th century, similar to how we use the word “Good-bye!” The original idea of Godspeed was a term that was used to convey the idea of the return of Jesus. Paul wrote “Maranatha” or “Come, Lord,” to finish his first letter to the Corinthians. The Apostle John finishes the book of Revelation with Jesus saying, “I am coming soon.” The Apostle Peter wrote, “Look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” Godspeed is a word of hope and expectation that Jesus will return and make all things right. Relationships are restored. The righteous are rewarded. Evil has ended. What a day, a glorious day, that will be! Godspeed is a way of life. We live in a broken world, knowing that hurts will be healed completely and sins will be forgiven, and forgotten. 

God of all grace, we long for your appearing. We long for justice, mercy, and grace to replace cruelty and evil in our world. Help us to be an agent of change in our world today until you come to take us home. We look forward to the day and speed its coming. Amen.