PATIENCE
PATIENCE
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” —Luke 9:41
Jesus left perfection to come to perversion. He left glory to be among the godless. He left the believing to come to the unbelieving. He left sinlessness to come to sinfulness. He left heaven worshippers to come to earth rejecters.
Patience… we won’t need to work on that in heaven! It is only known here on earth. Patience is needed where sinful people reside. There will be no sinful people in heaven. Not only will there be perfect peace, but perfect patience as well.
How long would Jesus “put up with them?” Well, He was in public ministry for about three years and went back to the Father and glory that He knew before coming to earth (John 17:1-5).
The question now is “How long will He put up with this world before He judges it?” We can see His patience in II Peter 3:9—- “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” He is coming back as He promised even though there are deniers of that truth. He is patient with the church. The reason He is patient with the church is to allow all those who will repent and be saved to repent and be saved. The church has the responsibility to accomplish this through His power. He will be patient until the last person or persons call on His Name and then the “end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
Jesus is patient with us… fortunately! Now we are to be patient with others— that is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). So, be patient with others as our Lord is with us! “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:7-11). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xzk9qtlvuo “Love is patient” (I Corinthians 13:4).
Dear Father, please help me to be patient as You are patient. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. Yes, so be it.