Immense Patience

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:   And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.—Ephesians 4:30

Memory verse: Romans 8:32 ►He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Today's reading: LEVITICUS 4-5 MATTHEW 24:29-51

Immense Patience

Of the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 or 14 are attributed to Paul. Half of the books in our New Testament are written by a man who called himself the worst of sinners. Why? Paul tells us here:

1 Timothy 1:15-16

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

This has to be the encouragement some of us need. Why? Paul was a persecutor of Christians. He chased Christians down and had them imprisoned. Early on we read this of Paul as a young man:

Acts 7:58 ►They dragged him(Stephen) out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Certainly, we could not be this bad, could we? Probably not...but we all have sinned(Romans 3:23) and all carry the memory of that sin life.

But-Jesus has immense patience for all the chosen in the world. We know this because if he had it for the worst sinner, Paul, the divinely just character of Christ demands patience with us.

But it is not only the just character of Christ, it is His entire character. He is divine and perfect love.(1 John 4:8)

The love of Christ is so perfect that He looks past the filth of our lives and sees the object of His love-our souls. He sees the little children of His creation and His heart yearns always to have us out of the pain that sin has caused us.

The immense patience of the love of Christ for us is forever greater than all our sin. The Love of Christ for us is greater still...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for wallowing in my guilt. Your love is greater than all my sin. Teach me to live in this reality of Your freedom.

Patient and forgiving Master,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen