LONSUFFERING
LORD
by Susan Slade
Jesus
is our example, God in the flesh, exemplifying longsuffering (longanimity,
patience). Webster’s 1828 American
Dictionary of the English Language defines longanimity as “forbearance;
patience; disposition to endure long under offenses.”
Paul’s
life served as a lighted billboard, a neon sign, proclaiming the patience of
the Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus. Paul (at that time called Saul) was the
cloak watcher for those who hurled stones at Stephen, the first Christian
martyr, and heartily approved of his death sentence (Acts 7:58-8:1). He
continued to pursue the church in Jerusalem, arresting women as well as men.
Saul was a one man wrecking crew, leaving destruction of Christians in his
path. He requested of the High Priest to have travel letters to go to Damascus
and do the same there (Acts 9).
Jesus
showed great longsuffering by not vaporizing Saul on the road to Damascus.
Instead, Jesus appeared in a bright light and asked, “Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). Saul was blinded and remained so for three
days. Jesus sent a man named Ananias to intercede on Saul’s behalf, and his
sight was restored (Acts 9). Despite Saul’s past, Jesus transformed him from a
worthless chunk of coal into His brilliant, multi-faceted diamond to proclaim
and teach the Gospel, and record thirteen of the 27 books of the New Testament.
Paul is
the ultimate illustration of the fact that no man or woman is beyond the reach
of the strong arm of the Lord. God’s exponential longsuffering is demonstrated
in His mercy and grace toward the man he would renovate from the sinner Saul to
be His faithful servant, the Apostle Paul.
Perhaps
you are in need of a spiritual makeover, Jesus edition. If you feel you have
tested God’s longsuffering beyond His limit, look at Saul who became, in the
transforming hands of Jesus, Paul the Apostle. Place in your life on Jesus’
potter’s wheel, and submit to His design for your life.
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