The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:16,
"But for that very reason [Paul being the worst of sinners] 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."
"God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25-26.
"But for that very reason [Paul being the worst of sinners] 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."
The patience of the Lord is an amazing thing. Here Paul tells Timothy of the "immense patience of the Lord.
The patience of God relates to his agenda to populate his kingdom. Mankind, living in disobedience and rebellion to God, worthy of God's wrath in his compulsion and celebration of sin is deserving of his wrath. Indeed, we read of those who never flee to the mercy of God we find in Jesus Christ as being thrown into a fiery lake of burning sulfur, Revelation 21:8.
Why is it God just doesn't express his wrath when we sin, right then and there? Why does he defer our punishment until later? The answer to that seems to me to be found in his desire to build his kingdom of us for eternity. He has chosen for himself all who will embrace him in faith. If he were to destroy us at the moment we first sin, the opportunity to embrace him in faith would be lost. This is the patience of the Lord. God's plan of redemption exploits his magnificent and wonderful patience!
Here are some fascinating observations of this: "Do you show contempt for the riches of his [God's] kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him." 2 Peter 3:15.
God's patience provides us opportunity for salvation!
"God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25-26.
How thankful I am for the patience of the Lord! Without it I would have had no hope!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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