Do you have the patience of Job? Most of us would say we don't. Where did that term originate anyway? As I peruse the pages of the book of Job, I see a significant amount of restraint and faithfulness in the midst of suffering, but I don't find the term "patience" as it relates to Job; in fact, the only reference to patience when it comes to Job is his question to his friends, "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?" (Job 6:11)
So then, where does this concept come from, if not from the book of Job? It comes from James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:10-11, KJV)
The word "patience" in this verse is also translated as perseverance, steadfastness, and endurance in other translations. The distinctions among these terms must be noted. The actual Greek term used by James is hupomone. It carries the idea of a person who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to his faith in the face of suffering and/or persecution.
Job would not curse God, even in the most dire of sufferings. The very essence of God is His patience..."The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some consider slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
God is patient. Job displayed patience. Come find out this Sunday how you, too, can foster the fruit of patience!
Randy
No comments:
Post a Comment