Topical Encyclopedia The patience of God is a profound attribute that is consistently illustrated throughout the Scriptures. It reflects His enduring love, mercy, and long-suffering nature towards humanity, despite their frequent disobedience and rebellion. This divine patience is not merely passive waiting but an active, purposeful delay that allows for repentance and redemption.Old Testament Illustrations 1. The Days of Noah: One of the earliest demonstrations of God's patience is found in the account of Noah. Despite the widespread wickedness of humanity, God delayed His judgment to give people an opportunity to repent. Genesis 6:3 states, "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.'" This period reflects God's patience, allowing time for repentance before the flood. 2. Israel's Wilderness Journey: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is another testament to God's patience. Despite their constant complaints and lack of faith, God continued to guide and provide for them. Numbers 14:18 declares, "The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression." His patience is evident as He repeatedly forgives and sustains them. 3. The Prophets' Warnings: Throughout the Old Testament, God sent prophets to warn Israel and Judah of impending judgment due to their idolatry and sin. Yet, He often delayed His wrath, giving them time to turn back to Him. In Jeremiah 7:25, God says, "From the time your fathers came out of Egypt until today, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again." New Testament Illustrations 1. The Ministry of Jesus: Jesus Christ embodies the patience of God through His interactions with His disciples and the people. Despite their misunderstandings and failures, He patiently taught and guided them. In Matthew 17:17, Jesus expresses His patience, saying, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" 2. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: This parable, found in Luke 15:11-32, illustrates God's patience and readiness to forgive. The father patiently waits for his wayward son to return, symbolizing God's enduring patience and willingness to welcome repentant sinners back into His fold. 3. The Delay of Christ's Return: The New Testament speaks of the patience of God in the context of Christ's second coming. 2 Peter 3:9 explains, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This delay is an expression of God's desire for all to have the opportunity to repent and be saved. Theological Reflections The patience of God is a central theme in understanding His character and His dealings with humanity. It underscores His desire for relationship and redemption rather than judgment and destruction. God's patience is not infinite, as His justice will ultimately prevail, but it is vast and profound, offering humanity the chance to turn back to Him. This divine patience calls believers to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to exhibit patience and grace towards others, as they have received from God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 13:6,9He spoke also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. 'Fruit which is Death' God. Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness Stumbling-Stones, or Stepping-Stones? The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... Sixteenth Lesson. Speedily, Though Bearing Long;' Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it ... Resources How long was Job's suffering? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do so many people have to experience terrible suffering before death? | GotQuestions.org Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Patience of God is Part of his Character The Patience of God: An Encouragement to Repent The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: His People The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: The Wicked The Patience of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Patience of God: Illustrated The Patience of God: Jerusalem The Patience of God: Limits Set To The Patience of God: Plead in Prayer The Patience of God: Salvation, the Object of The Patience of God: should Lead to Repentance The Patience of God: The Wicked: Abuse The Patience of God: The Wicked: Despise The Patience of God: The Wicked: Punished for Despising The Patience of God: Through Christ's Intercession Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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