07- The God of PATIENCE
The God of PATIENCE When we look around upon people and observe their ways, we see that there is . . . not a sin prohibited - but they willfully commit it; not a duty prescribed - but they cheerfully neglect it; not a mercy bestowed - but they wickedly abuse it; not an attribute of God’s nature discovered - but they daringly insult it; and that they have altogether become abominable, filthy, and condemned!
We ask, "How is it that the all-knowing, righteous and omnipotent Jehovah - bears with such daring, hardened, impenitent, and rebellious creatures; and instead of cutting them off, and consigning them to misery and despair - still supplies their needs, and continues his bounties?" The answer is, "He is slow to anger, long-suffering, great in mercy, and emphatically, the God of Patience."
If we turn our attention to the church - what do we behold?
Instead of unity - parties and divisions; instead of love - envy and opposition; instead of mercy - unkindness and selfishness; instead of long-suffering - anger and revenge; instead of peace - contention and jarring; instead of gentleness and meekness - anger and unkindness; instead of considering that we are all one in Christ, and seeking only his glory and the extension of his kingdom - separate interests are felt, and all seek their own in a great degree.
How different to the simplicity, unselfishness, purity, and self-denial of the primitive Christians! But how is it, that the Lord does not judge, disperse and confound us? Because he is "The God of Patience;" and our great intercessor still pleads, "Let it alone this year also!"
All the patience of the saint - is a gift from "The God of Patience." The Christian’s patience . . . is required as a duty, is given as a privilege, and is produced by the operation of the Holy Spirit, sanctifying our trials and tribulations. Our impatience proves our apostasy from God at first; genuine patience proves our return to God again.
Jesus was the mirror of patience. "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent - so he did not open his mouth!" He set us an example to suffer patiently, and to commit the keeping of our souls into the hands of God, as unto "a faithful Creator."
O, the length and breadth of love!
Jesus, Savior, can it be?
All your mercy’s height I prove, All the depth is seen in me!