Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 1

WHAT DOES THE SAY ABOUT PATIENCE? CONTENTS hen a timeless like patience is all A Man Of Patience . . . . . 2 Wbut forgotten in the A Poet Of Patience. . . . . 3 W incessant waves of breaking Its Old Testament news, fast food, and overnight Meaning...... 5 delivery, we can be sure that we Its New Testament too are somewhere in the current Meaning...... 7 of a powerful riptide. Its Ultimate I am particularly interested, Meaning...... 10 therefore, in recommending The Company this booklet written by RBC Patience Keeps ...... 15 writer and research editor The Trials Dean Ohlman. Dean’s fresh Of Patience ...... 19 and personal style, combined The Consequences with his background in Of Impatience ...... 23 education and the classics, The Rewards have given him the ability to Of Patience ...... 28 help us see ourselves through Its Ultimate . . . . . 30 windows of the past. His reflections on the virtue we love to hate provide fresh insight into ourselves and the unparalleled wisdom of the Bible. Martin R. De Haan II

Managing Editor: David Sper Cover Photo:Terry Bidgood Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.All rights reserved. © 2004 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan Printed in USA Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 2

A MAN OF House of Commons, he was PATIENCE encouraged by John Newton (a former slave-ship captain tanding just five feet and writer of the song tall, his acquaintances “Amazing Grace”) to fight SS considered him to for the end of the slave be unremarkable in trade in Great Britain. appearance—homely Success did not come according to some. Yet a quickly. But Wilberforce statue of this man stands tall was not a man to give up in the English “hall of fame,” easily. It would take him the Westminster Abbey. 19 long years to reach The brief inscription on the that goal. pedestal below reads, “He Ending the slave removed from England the trade in the motherland guilt of the African slave was not enough for him. trade, and prepared the way He continued to push for the abolition of slavery in for legislation that would every Colony of the Empire.” abolish slavery throughout The one honored the British Empire. This by burial in this place was not to happen for of renown was William another 37 years—the Wilberforce, a man who edict passing its final vote gained the respect of his just 3 days before he died. foes as well as his friends If a monument has ever for his unrelenting fight been raised to honor the against slavery, child virtue of enduring patience, labor, and animal abuse. certainly Wilberforce’s Shortly after beginning grave marker is one. his political career as a member of the English 2 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 3

A POET OF Blindness.” The poem’s final PATIENCE line has been with me ever since: “They also serve who hile the life only stand and wait.” and writings WWof William “They also serve Wilberforce have influenced my thinking in recent years, who only stand other examples of patience and wait.” had an effect on my life John Milton much earlier. Many of these (1608–1674) individuals were introduced to me by my high school English teacher, Ada That line, however, is Moody. Her own love for only a summary of a great inspirational prose and lesson learned by this poetry radiated from her humble servant of Christ. in a manner that could not John Milton had become be ignored by many of us blind at age 43 after having otherwise-distracted teens. proved himself to be one In English literature, in of England’s most capable particular, she worked hard writers and poets. The to unearth the gems of year his blindness became wisdom glittering beneath total was the same year their burden of archaic that Oliver Cromwell words and phrases. It was unseated King Charles I. especially the writings of Cromwell championed John Milton that needed her responsible freedom of the careful explanations. One of press that allowed Puritan the first works I recall was writers like Milton to freely Milton’s sonnet “On His publish their convictions 3 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 4

of principles and faith. ways transcend ours, Now with this great new His purposes trump ours, opportunity to write, Milton His will triumphs over ours. was handicapped by the Personified patience holds loss of his eyesight. He on to this lesson with a wondered, in grand verse, faith that understands how how the Lord of the universe blessed we are in our life could allow this. All he under the sun because wanted was to use his talent God is sovereign. to serve God. How could God allowed Milton God demand his labor but to live quietly, reflectively, deny the “light” by which and patiently for 22 more he needed to work? years—years during which . . . but Patience, to prevent some of his greatest work that murmur, soon replies, was done: the writing of “God doth not need the epic moral history of either man’s work mankind found in Paradise or his own gifts; Lost and Paradise Regained. who best bear His mild In the final stanza of his last yoke, they serve Him best. significant poem, “Samson His state is kingly; Agonistes,” the theme of thousands at His bidding patience returns. Reflecting speed and post o’er land and on the biblical narrative of ocean without rest; Samson’s ultimate sacrifice they also serve who only in service to Jehovah, Milton stand and wait.” teaches once again the By careful reflection on lesson that while we may words and people of the question the actions of Bible, John Milton learned divine providence, in the Job’s lesson: We are not end His “Highest Wisdom” indispensable to God. His is shown to be supreme. 4 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 5

Patience reminds us that it as the adjective patient. though “oft He seems It’s perhaps significant that to hide His face, [He] the first use of the word is in unexpectedly returns.” one of the Bible’s early lists The unequaled grandeur of the attributes of God: of well-rendered truth and The Lord passed before spiritual wisdom that mark [Moses] and proclaimed, the endeavors of so many of “The Lord, the Lord God, the early masters of English merciful and gracious, literature depended primarily longsuffering, and upon one source, the Bible. abounding in goodness Although King James had and truth” (Ex. 34:6). made the Bible available to The Hebrew word the masses in 1611 through translated “longsuffering” the publication of his English is the one most commonly language “Authorized used in the Old Testament Version,” scholars like to indicate patience. Many John Milton were able to Bible versions use the study and write from the expression “slow to ” in original languages. translating this Hebrew term. The “slow to anger” idea OLD TESTAMENT is etched in my memory from my childhood. My MEANING father was a good and he noun patience, longsuffering man. But though a significant as children sometimes do, TTancient concept in my siblings and I tested the Hebrew Scriptures, the limits of his patience is not found in the King at , which led to some James Version of the Old painful discipline. Coming Testament. Instead we find to Mother expecting 5 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 6

consolation (a ready gain lessons on patience disciplinarian herself), from the Hebrew is by we’d often hear what was looking at the terms that to become a familiar saying: define its opposite. One “Beware the wrath of a term is variously used to patient man!” indicate the concept my mother referred to: trying one’s patience, or finally “Beware the fury exhausting one to the of a patient man!” point of causing wrath or John Dryden bringing about discipline. (1631–1700) The ancient Israelites had a way of doing that with God, and their prophets found it That was a good lesson necessary to remind them for me because my dad that Jehovah’s longsuffering was also a loving man. could eventually end, and I find it interesting that discipline would be meted many decades later I still out: remember the threat of Then [Isaiah] said, “Hear punishment, but I can’t now, O house of David! recall any particular Is it a small thing for you spanking. His discipline to weary men, but will was adequate for the task you weary my God also?” of correction, but not so (Isa. 7:13). severe that the memory of In some translations harsh punishment would the word weary is rendered, short-circuit the lesson I “try the patience of.” Yes, needed to learn. Exodus God’s patience can be 34:6 defines a God like that. presumed upon too far. Yet Another way one can it is enlightening to discover 6 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 7

that this particular passage the will to wait for what comes just before one of is good and true and right, the Old Testament’s primary and of the capacity to prophecies about the persevere in the work of promised Messiah (v.14). developing God-honoring Together the two verses tell character and behavior. us that the proper end of true patience is righteous NEW TESTAMENT judgment. But God let the full force of His wrath fall MEANING on His Son, Jesus Christ, so hen we that we who deserved such come to the judgment could have a WWNew Testament pardon instead. manuscripts, which were A good way to written in Greek, it’s a little understand the Old easier to find nouns that Testament terms relating relate more directly to the to patience and impatience concept of patience. The is to think of them as words two primary Greek words relating to “long” and used commonly for patience “short.” Patience means are differentiated by their keeping your anger in reference point: One applies check for a long , to patience regarding things enduring hardship for a and circumstances; the long time, waiting a long other relates to patience time for goodness, truth, in reference to people. and righteousness to prevail, Interestingly, the and striving a long time to Greek term that relates reach perfection. Impatience to God’s patience is almost is indicated by shortness— universally the one that of temper, of endurance, of refers to people. One Bible 7 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 8

commentator points out I obtained mercy, that in that because God made all me first Jesus Christ might things He can do with them show all longsuffering what He wants, when He [patience], as a pattern wants. He really doesn’t to those who are going need patience with things to believe on Him for and circumstances as you everlasting life and I do. We can’t do (1 Tim. 1:15-16). anything directly about One of the most - many of the matters that stirring of all passages using try our patience. They’re this human-oriented Greek mostly beyond our power term for God’s patience is to manipulate or control found in the apostle Peter’s as God can. But God does second letter: practice great patience The Lord is not slack toward people, not because concerning His promise, He can’t compel us to do as some count slackness, His will but because He but is longsuffering lovingly respects the will of [patient] toward us, not those He has made in His willing that any should own likeness. God patiently perish but that all should waits for us to voluntarily come to repentance respond to the leading of (2 Pet. 3:9). His Spirit. It is this same Paul, recognizing endurance that the apostle the importance of patience Paul had in view when he as a godly attribute, held wrote: up his own practice of it Christ Jesus came into as an example to one of the world to save sinners, his protégés. In a letter of whom I am chief. to a young pastor However, for this reason named Timothy, Paul 8 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 9

used both of the common and without hypocrisy. Greek terms for patience: Most biblical terms You have carefully in reference to patience followed my doctrine, indicate that it is an manner of life, purpose, attribute with shoes faith, longsuffering on—actively working and [patience with people], persevering toward a God- love, perseverance honoring end. It works while [patience with things it waits. But a few of the and circumstances], persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at “Have for Antioch, at Iconium, at the great sorrows Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of of life and patience them all the Lord delivered for the small ones; me (2 Tim. 3:10-11). and when you Another Greek word less commonly translated have laboriously as “patience” indicates that accomplished your longsuffering with people is daily task, go to associated with an attitude of gentleness and humility. sleep in peace. This is the word found in God is awake.” James 3:17. Victor Hugo The wisdom that is from (1802–1885) above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle [humbly patient], willing to yield, words in the original full of mercy and good languages remind us that fruits, without partiality godly patience involves 9 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 10

more than enduring the apparently important but passing of time. It also unidentified person named means waiting on God in Godot who never shows up. times of deep trouble. It The characters idle their carries an attitude of faith time away musing over the that God is in control, so apparent meaninglessness we can bring our anxieties of human existence. And to Him. William Wilberforce the fact that the awaited demonstrated the individual never comes is hardworking, enduring fitting. At the end of the first work of patience. John act, one of the characters Milton’s attitude toward says, “Well, shall we go?” his “untimely” blindness The other assents. But as demonstrates for us the the curtain descends, they godly attitude of gentle are seen not moving—still humility we should have waiting. This philosophical when all we can do is wait. drama is a picture of the despair of a humanity ITS ULTIMATE that merely exists without meaning or purpose. This, MEANING of course, is the primary he 1955 play conclusion of the philosophy Waiting For Godot of existentialism popular in TTby Irish playwright the 1950s—and more or and existentialist Samuel less foundational to current Beckett is considered by postmodernism. some literary critics to Though the whole be the defining play of play is about waiting, no the 20th century. It one would characterize features two individuals the behavior of the two who are waiting for an characters as patient. True 10 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 11

patience involves waiting, some instances stand still but it is not just waiting; it’s with firm resolve to hold on waiting on purpose. While to the truth. Such patient Beckett claimed that the endurance marked the “Godot” waited for in his life of the apostle Paul. He play did not symbolize was imprisoned numerous God, the universal core of times (see Acts 16), and in existentialism is uncertainty those times he could do little about the existence of God. but wait in faith for God to But patience, at its heart, act. is faith in the existence, Yet Paul also had the the compassion, and the other leg of patience, that of promises of God. From the perseverance. Perseverance first book to the last, the is patience on the move. It Bible offers us glimpses of marks those who actively faithful patience—waiting continue in a work they’re for God—by people convinced is God’s calling. who trusted Him and His Perhaps even more Word. They determined to significant, however, is persevere and endure to the persevering in a mundane end because God is there work that seems on the and He is good. surface to have little godly Both the Old and purpose. It’s faithfully New Testament words for going on with life, trusting patience and the examples that if you do your work of patience indicate that honestly and well with a this virtue has two legs— good attitude and gentle endurance and perseverance. spirit, you are indeed These aspects reflect two serving your God. important about A prime biblical patience. Patience will in example of such patience 11 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 12

is Joseph (Gen. 37–50). The just bear it all patiently. story of Joseph is one of the The beauty of Joseph’s longest and most dramatic story is that unlike narratives of the Bible. After Hamlet’s, it is true. In the being sold into slavery by end, Joseph’s faith and hope his cruel and conspiring in God were stronger than brothers, he was transported ever. He did not resolve to to Egypt, where he suffered, seek vengeance. He didn’t like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, deny his faith in Jehovah “the slings and arrows of and resign himself to a outrageous fortune.” miserable fate and bitter If anyone had a reason end. Although he must have to become bitter, to harbor experienced deep and dark hatred, to lose faith in God, seasons of the soul, he did Joseph certainly did. One not end up in despair. could indeed picture Joseph Instead, over and over delivering the famous he offered his life to God. existential “to be or not to Through a series of terrible be” soliloquy of Hamlet in reversals he trusted his which the troubled Dane heavenly Father even in ponders whether or not to the service of pagan rulers kill himself because of the and governments. And “whips and scorns of time.” God blessed Joseph for Hamlet enumerates the his faith and patience in very difficulties suffered ways he never could have by Joseph: “the oppressor’s imagined—the eventual wrong, the proud man’s of his entire family [insults], . . . the law’s delay, and the perpetuation of the insolence of office, and God’s promise to Abraham the spurns” that unworthily to make of him a great come upon one who must nation that would bless 12 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 13

the nations of the world. which so easily ensnares Think of it. One young us, and let us run with man’s practice of patient endurance [patience] the perseverance, in seemingly race that is set before us, impossible circumstances, looking unto Jesus, the some 3,000 years ago, author and finisher of ultimately blessed you and our faith, who for the me. His hope is now our joy that was set before hope. Joseph is ultimately Him endured the cross, honored in the hall of faith despising the shame, and found in Hebrews 11, a list has sat down at the right of the saints of God who hand of the throne of persevered and endured God (Heb. 12:1-2). with patience just about True patience is every trial imaginable— anchored in hope. And because they had hope. our hope is grounded not They knew (as Jesus later only in the much-witnessed instructed us to pray) that life, death, and resurrection God’s kingdom would come of Jesus Christ, but also and His will would be done in the promise of His “on earth as it is in heaven” return. French philosopher (Mt. 6:10). The full meaning Vauvenargues stated it of their exemplary lives was simply: “Patience is the summarized by the writer of art of hoping.” This truth Hebrews after he presented was elegantly stated by his list of the faithful: another English writer Therefore we also, since I learned about when we are surrounded by so my high school literature great a cloud of witnesses, teacher introduced us to let us lay aside every Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a weight, and the sin 19th-century novelist, who 13 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 14

said, “There is one form Abraham, because He of hope which is never could swear by no one unwise, and which certainly greater, He swore by does not diminish with the Himself, saying, “Surely increase of knowledge. In blessing I will bless you, that form it changes its and multiplying I will name, and we call it multiply you.” And so, patience” (The New after he had patiently Dictionary Of Thoughts, endured, he obtained the Standard Book Company, promise. For men indeed 1966, p.296). The writer swear by the greater, and of the letter to the Hebrews an oath for confirmation gave us the essence of that is for them an end of hope: all dispute. Thus God, God is not unjust to determining to show more forget your work and abundantly to the heirs of labor of love which you promise the immutability have shown toward His of His counsel, confirmed name, in that you have it by an oath, that by ministered to the saints, two immutable things, in and do minister. And which it is impossible for we desire that each God to lie, we might have one of you show the strong consolation, who same diligence to the full have fled for refuge to lay assurance of hope until hold of the hope set before the end, that you do not us. This hope we have as become sluggish, but an anchor of the soul, imitate those who through both sure and steadfast, faith and patience inherit and which enters the the promises. For when Presence behind the veil, God made a promise to where the forerunner has 14 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 15

entered for us, even existential quandary about Jesus (Heb. 6:10-20). the One they expectantly James, the brother of looked for. It was not Godot Jesus, also emphasized the hope in Christ that is the underpinning of our faith Patience is not and the reason for our a desperate waiting patience: Be patient, brethren, in doubt, but a until the coming of the hopeful waiting Lord. See how the farmer in confidence. waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it they awaited; it was God receives the early and in the flesh, the One who is latter rain. You also be coming for the “restoration patient. Establish your of all things” (Acts 3:19-21). hearts, for the coming Patience is not a desperate of the Lord is at hand waiting in doubt, but a (Jas. 5:7-8). hopeful waiting in Because the apostles confidence. had personally met the Son of God, received bread THE COMPANY and wine from His hands, experienced His sacrificial PATIENCE KEEPS compassion, touched f we learned nothing His wounds, and seen else about patience predictions of Jewish IIfrom the Bible than prophets fulfilled, these what we know about the early followers of Christ good company it keeps, that were not left in an in itself would be profound. 15 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 16

One of most significant facts While this accounting about patience is that it is of honorable attributes found in several Scripture readily comes to mind “honor rolls,” lists of godly to those familiar with the character traits that people Scriptures, there are other living under the influence lesser-known lists that of the Holy Spirit were reveal to us how highly God intended to possess. regards patience, whether on Perhaps best known His part or ours. Here are a is the list of attitudes and few passages about patience behaviors that mark the accompanying God’s follower of Christ who is lovingkindness, readiness acting in the power of the to forgive, and commitment Spirit. In writing to the to : church in Galatia, Paul first Let love be without highlighted characteristics hypocrisy. Abhor what that define those who will is evil. Cling to what not “inherit the kingdom is good. Be kindly of God.” He set them in affectionate to one another opposition to the attributes with brotherly love, in that identify true followers honor giving preference to of Christ—the ultimate one another; not lagging kingdom inheritors: in diligence, fervent in The fruit of the spirit, serving the Lord; Spirit is love, joy, rejoicing in hope, patient peace, longsuffering in tribulation, continuing [patience], kindness, steadfastly in ; goodness, faithfulness, distributing to the needs gentleness, self-control. of the saints, given to Against such there is hospitality. Bless those no law (Gal. 5:22-23). who persecute you; bless 16 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 17

and do not curse. Rejoice inheritance of the saints with those who rejoice, in the light (Col. 1:9-12). and weep with those who For the love of money weep. Be of the same mind is a root of all kinds of toward one another. Do evil, for which some not set your mind on high have strayed from the things, but associate with faith in their greediness, the humble. Do not be and pierced themselves wise in your own opinion through with many (Rom. 12:9-16). sorrows. But you, O man For this reason we also, of God, flee these things since the day we heard it, and pursue righteousness, do not cease to pray for godliness, faith, love, you, and to ask that you patience, gentleness may be filled with the (1 Tim. 6:10-11). knowledge of His will in But as for you, speak all wisdom and spiritual the things which are understanding; that you proper for sound doctrine: may walk worthy of the that the older men be Lord, fully pleasing Him, sober, reverent, temperate, being fruitful in every sound in faith, in love, in good work and increasing patience (Ti. 2:1-2). in the knowledge of God; Paul gave us an strengthened with all impressive list of Christian might, according to that accompany His glorious power, patience: love, joy, peace, for all patience and kindness, goodness, longsuffering with joy; faithfulness, gentleness, giving thanks to the self-control, genuineness, Father who has qualified affection, friendliness, us to be partakers of the innocence, humility, 17 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 18

industriousness, patience. As if to highlight selflessness, spiritual that truth, Paul used both fervency, hopefulness, piety, common Greek terms for charitability, hospitality, patience in his definition of empathy, sympathy, love for the troubled church in Corinth—patience with people, and patience with “Patience with things and circumstances. The 13th chapter of this others is love. letter is considered to Patience with self be one of history’s classic is hope. Patience descriptions of love—often quoted from the King James with God is faith.” Bible in English literature Adel Bestavros books. Especially significant are these verses: Love suffers long [is agreeableness, gratefulness, patient] and is kind; righteousness, godliness, love does not ; love sobriety, reverence, does not parade itself, is , orthodoxy. not puffed up; does not Our Lord and His first- behave rudely, does century followers considered not seek its own, is patience to be a defining not provoked, thinks no character trait of those who evil; does not rejoice in claimed to be His followers. iniquity, but rejoices in Understanding how Jesus the truth; bears all things, Christ is the epitome of love believes all things, hopes and compassion, we should all things, [patiently] not be surprised to find that endures all things. Love love is often defined by never fails (1 Cor. 13:4-8). 18 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 19

Simply stated, being that offers no challenge. patient is the behavioral I find it fascinating way to say, “I love you.” that of the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11, some THE TRIALS OF demonstrated great patience while others showed PATIENCE impatience. hen we come Noah is a prime to learn that example of patience. His WWpatience is an 120-year task of building the aspect of love built on the ark has to be one of history’s pillars of endurance and most amazing examples of perseverance, we realize perseverance. Surrounded that it is an essential virtue by an evil civilization that for living in a fallen world had become violent and on a cursed earth. Many godless to the core, he must Bible translators have have received unending rightly chosen the mockery. expression longsuffering Abraham and Sarah as the most symbolically are listed in Hebrews 11 as accurate term for patience. well. Some of the facts about In a perfect world, like that their lives demonstrate the experienced by Adam dire consequences of and Eve, patience would impatience, though be meaningless. We’d be ultimately through faith living in a state of perpetual they persevered—and satisfaction with no struggles God’s promised creation of and no pain. One does a special “chosen people” not “endure” a joyful and was fulfilled through them. pleasant experience. Nor Moses’ life illustrates do we “persevere” in a task both impatience and 19 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 20

patience. All told, however, tending sheep. We have Moses demonstrates no record that God ever amazing perseverance and communicated directly endurance—in 40-year with him during those stints. For 40 years he kept long years. So when God his faith in the one God, dramatically entered his life Jehovah, while being at the burning bush (Ex. 3), educated in the courts of Moses had already spent polytheistic Egypt. In fact, it many years in the school was his belief in the God of of patience. the Hebrews that motivated When God asked a costly act of impatience. Moses to lead His people While agonizing over the out of Egypt and on to cruel captivity of his people, their promised land, Moses he impulsively struck and soon found that he was killed an Egyptian overlord still “in school.” Instead of who was abusing one of the graduating to a life of Hebrews. His ancestor ease, Moses had to endure Joseph had prophesied another 40 years of extreme many years earlier that God trial, hardship, and suffering. would free the children of During those years Moses Israel and bring them back got more lessons in to the land promised to patience—and impatience— Abraham (Gen. 50:24). than he ever wanted. His So Moses could have frustration with the Hebrews patiently trusted in that has been recorded for us in prediction—allowing God’s several places. One that plan to unfold in God’s time. stands out is his irritation Because he didn’t, he spent over their lack of faith that another 40 years enduring God would provide them the barren land of Midian— the water they needed: 20 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 21

Therefore the people articulated beautifully the contended with Moses, importance of patience: and said, “Give us water, Rest in the Lord, and wait that we may drink.” So patiently for Him; do not Moses said to them, “Why fret because of him who do you contend with me? prospers in his way, Why do you tempt the because of the man who Lord?” (Ex. 17:2). brings wicked schemes to The Amplified Bible pass. Cease from anger, translates the Hebrew word and forsake wrath; do not for “tempt” here as “try the fret—it only causes harm patience of.” One could say (Ps. 37:7-8). that the impatience of the Perhaps it is this Hebrews constantly tried the understanding that patience of both Moses and helped promote David Jehovah. Later prophets to the honor roll of faith frequently commented on in Hebrews 11: the lack of patience shown And what more shall I by the people of Israel—an say? For the time would impatience that often led to fail me to tell of Gideon God’s judgment. Time and and Barak and Samson again they would speak and Jephthah, also of of God’s longsuffering David and Samuel and compassion for His the prophets: who through stubborn and wayward faith subdued kingdoms, people, yet also with the worked righteousness, warning that His patience obtained promises, would not last forever. stopped the mouths Israel’s King David, of lions, quenched the in his reflective moments, violence of fire, escaped understood well and the edge of the sword, out 21 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 22

of weakness were made mind whenever we have strong, became valiant in to endure hardship—finally battle, turned to flight pointing to the ultimate the armies of the aliens. example of Jesus: Women received their Consider Him who dead raised to life again. endured such hostility Others were tortured, not from sinners against accepting deliverance, that Himself, lest you become they might obtain a better weary and discouraged in resurrection. Still others your (Heb. 12:3). had trial of mockings and King David summed it scourgings, yes, and of up this way: chains and imprisonment. I waited patiently for the They were stoned, they Lord; and He inclined to were sawn in two, were me, and heard my cry. He tempted, were slain with also brought me up out of the sword. They wandered a horrible pit, out of the about in sheepskins and miry clay, and set my goatskins, being destitute, feet upon a rock, and afflicted, tormented—of established my steps. He whom the world was not has put a new song in my worthy. They wandered mouth—praise to our in deserts and mountains, God; many will see it and in dens and caves of the fear, and will trust in the earth (Heb. 11:32-38). Lord (Ps. 40:1-3). The writer of Hebrews The ultimate motivation concluded his comments for patience is contained in about these mostly these words of that great unnamed heroes of the psalmist. As followers of faith by recommending Jesus we are sometimes that we keep them all in going to have to suffer long. 22 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 23

We will be misunderstood. leading others to Christ. We will be taken advantage Practicing patience is of by unprincipled people. sometimes an act of evangelism. When we patiently THE wait for the Lord CONSEQUENCES through persecution, OF IMPATIENCE pain, depression, ur discussion boredom, and up to this point troublesome OOmay have left the impression that patience is circumstances, we a great and noble virtue that may unknowingly is needed only in the most extreme and difficult times be leading others of our lives. But the truth is to Christ. that patience is a practical, everyday virtue—one we’re required to practice mostly In it all, however, we in small, almost unnoticed are directed to stand ways. Sadly, the meaning firmly on the two legs of of simple patience is often patience—endurance and dramatically demonstrated perseverance. And don’t by our acts of impatience. forget that when we Nearly all of us patiently wait for the Lord have grieved over acts of through persecution, pain, impatience that had dire depression, boredom, and consequences. Many years troublesome circumstances, ago, when my boys were still we may unknowingly be young, I was stunned when 23 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 24

I heard the news about the of them negatively affecting tragic death of a neighbor. our relationships with She was also the parent of others. Reformer John Calvin young children. Heading off once painfully confessed, to work one morning, she drove out of our quiet neighborhood onto a “To put it in a busy highway—only to nutshell, every sin is be struck and killed by a car she should have waited to be traced back for. Like so many of us, to impatience.” however, she was in a Tertullian hurry and did not take (c.160–225) the time to judge the speed of the car moving toward her. What “My struggles are not greater unintentional loss she against my vices, which are suffered. What horrible very great and numerous, emotional distress the than against my impatience; surviving children and and my efforts are not husband had to struggle wholly useless. I have not, through. All they could however, been able yet ask was, “Why? How to conquer that ferocious could such a common animal” (John Calvin—His act of impatience have Life, His Teaching, & His such tragic results?” Influence by William Most of our acts of Wileman). impatience, of course, Maybe if we ask do not have such instant ourselves what our outcomes. But they all do impatience means, we’ll have consequences—many have a better handle on 24 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 25

patience. Looking at my At its heart, impatience own life, I can see my acts is one of the chief traits of of impatience motivated by self-centeredness. And self- these selfish thoughts: centeredness is a mark of • “My time is more immaturity. We are not important than your surprised that children want time.” what they want when they • “Don’t you realize want it, but we expect that your slowness is grown-ups to have matured irritating me!” to the point where they’re • “Come on, I have things willing to wait and to give of to do.” In other words, their time to meet the needs “My activities are more of others. important than yours.” Unfortunately, we live in • “If I don’t hurry, I’m a society that all too often going to miss something doesn’t know how to wait. important to me.” Our generation has become • “I don’t have time to deal the “I Want It Now” with your problem.” generation. We’ve become • “This waiting is so accustomed to immediate inconvenient for me.” self- that we • “You’re keeping me have lost our appreciation from doing something for the gift of patience. I want to do.” We tend to live like • “I have to do this children looking forward quickly because there’s to Christmas, a fact noted something else I want by Irish poet Mary Tighe: to do.” “O how impatience gains • “God’s work must be upon the soul when the long done now, and I’m the promised hour of joy draws only one to do it.” near. How slow the tardy 25 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 26

moments then seem to roll” doubt be readily added to (The New Dictionary Of by others who have suffered Thoughts, Standard Book under its impetuous control: Company, 1966, p.296). • Untimely death I thank God for allowing • Physical pain and me to live long enough to suffering look back and see how little • Broken dreams I have accomplished by • Troubled personal impatience. Not only does relationships impatience mostly fail to • Stunted character growth bring about what I want, • Compromised integrity it often destroys my joy in • God’s displeasure getting it. Impatience even • Missing the best of turns necessary negative Christlike love things into worse things. • Loss of the ultimate Seventeenth-century best in pursuit of an English bishop Jeremy Taylor immediate pleasure noted, “Impatience turns an That last consequence ague [a chill] into a fever, a reminds me of the neatly fever to the plague, fear into lettered sayings posted near despair, anger into rage, loss the front of every classroom into madness, and sorrow at the Christian university I into frenzy” (ibid, p.295). attended. After seeing these A later bishop, George wise maxims hour after Horne, agreed: “Adversity hour and year after year, borrows its sharpest sting many of them sank in. I from our impatience” think I can still quote them (ibid, p.296). all after some 40 years. Here’s a list of One in particular sticks common consequences with me: “Don’t sacrifice of impatience that can no the permanent on the 26 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 27

altar of the immediate.” disappointed he was. Many If impatience does of the peanuts had died and anything, it often gives the rest were shriveled up what is lasting and and misshapen. significant for that which “That’s how it is with is fleeting and relatively pre-marital sex,” Charlie meaningless. That point wrote. In fact, that’s a was graphically illustrated picture of the consequences for me as a young man by that follow virtually every pastor Charlie Shedd in impatient act. his landmark book on sex, The Stork Is Dead, which he wrote for Christian “Don’t sacrifice young people. the permanent on Charlie wrote about his experience as a kid the altar of the growing up in the American immediate.” South and planting peanuts. Because peanuts are tubers that grow on the roots English scientist- beneath the ground, you philosopher Francis Bacon can’t see how well they’re recognized the extreme developing. So being an danger of impatience. He impatient kid, he decided to said, “Whoever is out of dig them up to see how they patience is out of the were doing. Well, they were possession of his soul.” doing fine. So he shoveled Being a follower of Christ, them back into the hole Bacon was no doubt and tamped the ground recalling the words of Jesus firm. A month or so later, he to His disciples about the went to harvest them. How last days: 27 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 28

You will be betrayed even gave Job twice as much as by parents and brothers, he had before” (Job 42:10). relatives and friends; and Patience provides they will put some of us a better end than you to death. And you the present. “The end will be hated by all for of a thing is better than its My name’s sake. But not beginning; the patient a hair of your head shall in spirit is better than the be lost. By your patience proud in spirit” (Eccl. 7:8). possess your souls (Lk. 21:16-19). “Patience is THE REWARDS the best remedy OF PATIENCE for every trouble.” ecause patience is such Plautus a valued attribute for (c.254–184 BC) BBthe servant of God, it is found throughout the Scriptures. Sometimes “[God] will render to each we see it in failures and one according to his deeds: loss created by human eternal life to those who impatience. But most by patient continuance in commonly we find it doing good seek for glory, marked by its rewards. honor, and immortality” Consider the following: (Rom. 2:6-7). Patience leads to Patience allows earthly benefits. “The us to bear fruit from Lord restored Job’s losses seeds of faith. “The when he prayed for his [seeds] that fell on the friends. Indeed the Lord good ground are those 28 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 29

who, having heard the word Patience provides with a noble and good heart, health for our souls. keep it and bear fruit with “By your patience possess patience” (Lk. 8:15). your souls” (Lk. 21:19). Patience wins the Patience gives us approval of God. “I hope. “Whatever things waited patiently for the Lord; were written before were and He inclined to me, and written for our learning, heard my cry” (Ps. 40:1). that we through the “What credit is it if, when patience and comfort you are beaten for your of the Scriptures might faults, you take it patiently? have hope” (Rom. 15:4). But when you do good and Patience provides suffer, if you take it patiently, us with God’s power. this is commendable before “Walk worthy of the God” (1 Pet. 2:20). Lord, fully pleasing Him, Patience makes us being fruitful in every a good example for good work and increasing others. “We ourselves in the knowledge of God; boast of you among the strengthened with all might, churches of God for your according to His glorious patience and faith in all power, for all patience and your persecutions and longsuffering with joy” tribulations that you (Col. 1:10-11). endure” (2 Th. 1:4). Patience enables Patience perfects us to inherit God’s our character. “Let promises. “We desire patience have its perfect that each one of you show work, that you may be the same diligence to the perfect and complete, full assurance of hope lacking nothing” (Jas. 1:4). until the end, that you 29 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 30

do not become sluggish, events that led up to the but imitate those who crucifixion and resurrection through faith and patience of the Lord Jesus, whom he inherit the promises” loved so dearly. Many years (Heb. 6:11-12). had passed, and John had been wearied by the suffering and pain he had ITS ULTIMATE endured to spread the word HOPE of what he and his friends he apostle John, had witnessed. I can see known in the Bible him writing these words TTas “the apostle Jesus which eventually became loved,” lived out many of Scripture: his later years imprisoned I, John, both your brother on the rocky Isle of Patmos and companion in the in the Aegean Sea. The tribulation and kingdom pictures I have seen of this and patience of Jesus rugged and remote island Christ, was on the island have helped to form the that is called Patmos for image I have in my mind the Word of God and for of the old disciple of the testimony of Jesus Jesus quietly enduring his Christ (Rev. 1:9). forced isolation, wandering Patient endurance and ruggedly beautiful rocky perseverance had marked shores—gazing out over his life and the lives of his striking blue waters in brothers and companions, the direction of Jerusalem as they had marked the life several hundred miles to the of Christ. But the account southeast. No doubt much John was about to write of his time there was initially and send to the churches spent remembering the in Asia Minor directly east 30 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 31

of his isolated island was lampstands One like the astoundingly different from Son of Man, clothed with the letters he had written a garment down to the before about how to live feet and girded about the and walk in the love and chest with a golden band. patience of Jesus Christ His head and hair were (John’s three epistles). The white like wool, as white last sight John had had of as snow, and His eyes God the Son so many years like a flame of fire; His before was that of a humble, feet were like fine brass, persevering Servant being as if refined in a furnace, received into heaven by and His voice as the God the Father. This was 10 sound of many waters; days before all the disciples He had in His right hand were to be visited by God seven stars, out of His the Holy Spirit. John, in mouth went a sharp two- fact, had been worshiping edged sword, and His in that very same Spirit on countenance was like the the Lord’s Day when he sun shining in its strength. was suddenly visited by his And when I saw Him, I Master of old. This time, fell at His feet as dead. however, it was not a meek But He laid His right and mild suffering Servant hand on me, saying to he saw. It was his glorious, me, “Do not be afraid; conquering Savior. John I am the First and the wrote about his vision: Last. I am He who lives, I turned to see the voice and was dead, and behold, that spoke with me. And I am alive forevermore. having turned I saw seven Amen. And I have the golden lampstands, and in keys of Hades and of the midst of the seven Death” (Rev. 1:12-18). 31 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Q0722 Patience pp 8/20/07 11:46 AM Page 32

Jesus continued to Had you or I been there, speak, providing an we too would have come to astonished John with the same conclusion. How visions of the last days. thankful we can be that I’m not everything sure how this NINE REQUISITES FOR patiently awe-inspiring CONTENTED LIVING: endured in appearance • Health enough to make our life, in work a pleasure. of Christ • Wealth enough to our world, affected John’s support your needs. in our work life afterward, • Strength to battle with for Christ, but one thing difficulties and overcome and in our I believe them. love for • Grace enough to confess we can be your sins and forsake others will confident of: them. receive the John came to • Patience enough to ultimate understand toil until some good reward that his is accomplished. dramatically • enough to patient see some good in recorded for continuance your neighbor. us in the in the faith • Love enough to move Bible’s last was worth you to be useful and book: every beating, helpful to others. “He who • Faith enough to make every real the things of God. testifies to humiliation, • Hope enough to these things every blister, remove all anxious fears says, ‘Surely every drop concerning the future. I am coming of sweat, and — Goethe (1749–1832) quickly.’ every tear he Amen. Even had shed in service to the so, come, Lord Jesus!” Savior. (Rev. 22:20). 32 © 2007 RBC MINISTRIES Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

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