99. Patient to endure.

Now that we have considered God's unlimited patience in dealing with mankind and his forbearance of their sins, it is only appropriate that we also consider the patient endurance of God. 'Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.'(Hebrews 12:3) Not only did God have to forgive mankind for the fall but he also had to patiently work through their resistance in bringing his Christ onto the world stage, which was infact Satan's plot through men to sabotage (deliberately obstruct ) this salvation! However, Christ patiently endured the opposition until he reached his goal. When Jesus was told that Herod wants to kill him, he replied, "Go tell that fox,'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case , I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - for surely no Prophet can die outside Jerusalem!"( Luke 13:32-33) Paul too was 'severely tested by the plots of the Jews'( Acts 20:19) who opposed the Gospel. Therefore, we are not excluded but will face the resistance, even from those among us who are 'false brothers'. ( 2 Corinthians 11:26, Galatians 2:4) But its granted to us in Christ to patiently endure such hardships just as John did. 'I , John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.'(Revelation 1:9) 'For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.'(Philippians 1:29) Therefore, 'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame and sat down at the right hand if the throne of God.'(Hebrews 12:2) Amen.