Just Another Reminder

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Lu 21:19 AV)

Never has there been a time when we needed this short little verse more.  I know I have written about this verse before.  I know the Spirit has used the verse more times than I care to count.  In today’s tumultuous world, this verse is especially relevant for us today.  Jesus is giving His disciples last-minute advice.  He is instructing them of what is about to come and the power of God that will be with them.  In context, the LORD is preparing His disciples for very difficult times which are prophesied to occur towards the end of the world.  Dispensationally speaking, there remained a possibility that if Israel accepted Jesus the first time around, this event would have ushered in the last times.  There would have been persecution from and judgment on the Gentile world.  However, since Israel rejected Christ, the church age came into being and the end times were delayed.  Now, we can look at Jesus’ words and apply them to the generation that is approaching His second coming.  Regardless of our eschatological leanings, the basic principle still applies.  When very difficult times come, possess your soul in a spirit of patience.

Thayer’s defines the Greek word for patience as “in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings”.  Strong’s ties the meaning of this word to an emotional foundation, “cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy”.  Thayer’s stresses the working out of patience in the actions we do, whereas Strong’s sees the emotion that motivates to action.  In both definitions, we see the instruction of Christ to those who are going through troublesome times.  Let us be clear.  That of which we speak is near to impossible.  At least in our own strength.  Reading Foxe’s Book of Martyrs will, however, reveal the child of God can go through hard times, even unto death, with an attitude and work of patience.  But keep one thing in mind.  Jesus would not have instructed us to keep our souls in patience if it was impossible to do.  He gave this instruction because it is possible to do.  Faith in a God who is bigger than our circumstances is the key to getting through troublesome times.  This morning, I had a thought.  I was thing how nice it would be if the LORD would call me home immediately.  With all that is going on and the callousness of the world towards spiritual things, I just don’t see the need.  However, the Spirit gave me a follow-up thought.  If the LORD would call me home, then I would miss the experience of the rapture!  That is if it happens in my lifetime. 

We have already considered emotional discipline in the recent past.  We made mention of a generation or two that had not been raised to control their emotions.  This is why we see what we see.  Above, this is exactly what the LORD is sharing with His faithful.  The discipline of patience is what overcomes the trouble of today.  Knowing how to limit one’s reactions to his or her situation is the discipline that the LORD is commanding here.  There is a job to do.  Souls still need the gospel message.  Either to escape eternal hell or, be made accountable for their rebellion.  Patience is the key here.  The LORD will hold His church accountable for the lack of action commanded us in the scriptures.  Regardless of what happens today, tomorrow, this week, month, or year,  the LORD knew it already and is still in control.  There really is no other way to meditate or expound on this verse.  It is commanded, by our Savior, to possess our souls in patience.  Overreacting to circumstances beyond our control is in direct disobedience to the command of our Savior.  Check an earlier blog for the fact Jesus calls the patience we are supposed to have as our patience.  Not the patience that would come supernaturally by the irresistible work of the Holy Spirit.