God had, once long ago, made a promise to Abram and “since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.” Heb.6
In the Epistle from St. James, read this night, Jesus is speaking to us. He is recalling to our minds, not just the patience of our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc., but the patience of God. And Jesus is telling, maybe even demanding, that we also be patient.
However, patience is a virtue, no? Maybe you have heard that from your father or have used it yourself, from time to time. Patience indeed is a virtue and virtues must be worked at and cultivated. Patience is not manifested except by a life determined to increase in it.
You are not born with patience. The infant cries at the exact moment that it is in need. No matter how small the need is, the infant demands placating. The toddler is no better at patience. No amount of time-outs, scolding, or depravity lessens the impatience. Their want is now and so it must be met, now.
As adults, are we really any different? St. James tells us to be patient multiple times, but is it something we have or is it something immediately necessary. Indeed, Jesus’ demand for patience is impatient in and of itself. “Have patience now, or else.”
“Be patient”, Jesus says, even though family is drifting farther and father apart. “Be patient” even though the cancer is coming back. “Be patient” though your entire world is falling apart around you, the command remains the same: Be patient.
Repent. In our great debt to be repaid for our transgressions, we beg on hands and knees, in front of Almighty God for just a bit of patience from Him and we will repay. Yet, we turn around and not only do we persecute our neighbors or neglect them, but we bemoan God’s impatience in dealing with this world. (Matt. 18:26,29)
Truly, in Jesus’ parable of the Unmerciful Servant, we are read out to be the unmerciful ones. We find patience, especially towards God, completely lacking in our lives. We don’t care that Christ died 2000 years ago, we want to know what God is going to do now. What is He going to do about my unemployment? What is He going to do about my disease or my dying relatives?
Truly, it is an unmerciful and unloving God that demands patience in the midst of this evil world.
God demands and God fulfills. Yes, the Law demands our patience, but it is Jesus who shows us what patience truly is. Not only that, but by His sacrifice, patience is no longer just a virtue, but a gift.
In Christ descending to die on the cross, He showed the ultimate patience. Instead of punishing the sinner, our Lord of all took the punishment upon Himself. In order to fulfill the promise made to Abraham, Jesus swore by Himself. In order to show His unchangeable purpose, Jesus gave His life as the ransom.
Now, since it is impossible for Jesus to lie and impossible for Him to change, we have taken refuge in His wounds and grab hold of that Promise. The promise that Jesus has entered the most Holy Place by His holy, innocent, and precious blood; that Jesus crossed from life, to death, and back again in order to secure our place with Him.
The Promise of God is given now. It may not be the Final Day. It may not even be the day that Jesus is walking around on earth, but this is the day that was made for you. This day, the promises of Jesus are fulfilled in your ears and you have seen and know the purpose of the Lord.
That purpose is to send Jesus. That purpose is to save you from your sin, in order that you make it to the Last Day with hope, for in Christ, the Lord is merciful and compassionate. In Jesus, God is working out His salvation in you on this day and everyday of your life.
So, when Jesus tells us to be patient; He is not saying you need to deal with whatever comes your way and accept it as apart of life. Jesus is saying, Be patient, for your hope is secure, your life is paid for, and your salvation is a Kept-Promise.
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