Patience

Dear Brethren,

The Book of Revelation contains some of the most astounding language in all the Bible regarding the events of the end time.  Wars, famine, plague, tribulation - and even martyrdom - are described in its pages.  There is no place on earth, and no way to avoid the coming disasters - except we be delivered by Jesus Christ.  He has promised protection to some of the "called-out ones".  What kind of Christian will qualify to escape the tribulation that shall surely come to pass?

Many of us have pondered over the years possible meanings of the various symbols and events pictured in Revelation.  All of us have come away awed by the tragic events foretold.  None of us want to be caught-up in that end time distress.  The result can be that we sometime study prophecy to the exclusion of genuine Christian living.  We might think that if we can "break the code" of Revelation, we will gain a "heads up" to escape the inevitable.  Prophecy is given by God for our hope and encouragement to look forward to the establishment of His revealed plan - not for us to avoid the consequence of sin.  Let's not assume that we can decipher prophecy so perfectly as to assure our own peace and safety - look at what the Scripture says.

"For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."  (1Thessalonians 5:3)

How then are we to be spared?   The answer is that we must become the children of light - that is living according to every word of God.  In other words, Christian living is the answer.

"But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  You are all the children of light."  (1Thessalonians 5:4-5)

Christ gave us one of the answers in response to His disciples' question about when the end would come.

"By your patience possess your souls."  (Luke 21:19)

Patience?  Perhaps we were searching for something more action packed!  But, the thought is confirmed by Scripture in other places.  John recorded in Revelation 14:12 a fascinating verse, one of great personal importance to us, the Children of God.

"Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."  and, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."  (Revelation 3:10)

Here, Jesus Christ emphasizes our need for patience and gives us the fundamental perspective on how to have and to exercise Godly patience.   Again, He is telling us to be Christians first - and the rest will work out.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is patient toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  (2Peter3:9)

Indisputably, the characteristics of the Christian life are trouble, trials, hardships, difficulties and even persecutions.   It was that way for Christ, and it will be that way for His followers - Christians - and we are told to endure these things patiently.

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

We counted the costs before baptism - these are to be expected as we walk in the steps of Jesus Christ.  Paul and Peter wrote in their day, in Acts 14:22 and 1Peter 2:21,

"We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" and, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."

If we patiently endure the trials of this life - laying down our lives for the brethren - we will escape the tribulation that will come on all the earth.  A simple practical example is our obligation to be patient with everyone we deal with while not demanding that others be patient with us.  God gives us another example, and that is His own patience - in Romans 15:4-5, our Father is called "the God of patience".

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus," and, "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, although He [ is patient ] with them? (Luke 18:7)

Patience is part of God's very nature.  For us to become like our Father, we too must grow in patience, the simple ability to wait in faith and to endure without complaint.  It is the ability to suffer long and to be kind to others during our suffering.  Patience is being faithful, while circumstances may be particularly difficult.  It is being gentle and compassionate toward those who are struggling when we would much rather take some stronger action.  We exercise Godly patience in whatever circumstances beset us by continuing to obey God, and by trusting Him to deliver us, as He has promised to do.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  (James 1:2-4)

It is this very process of learning to wait and to endure difficult circumstances that teaches us patience.  As we grow in patience, we find ourselves living life with greater peace of mind. Even in the context of Christ's return and the tribulation preceding it, James spoke of patience in James 5:7-8.

"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

We can joke, "I want patience, and I want it right now!"  Often, when events in our lives do not quite go our way or we find ourselves having to wait, we struggle with the basic human need for patience.  Let's remember Christ's words in Matthew 24:13,

"But he who endures to the end shall be saved." and "God will render eternal life to every man according to his deeds:  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality."  (Romans 2:6-7)

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Sermon:  "Patience of a Patriarch"

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