WEEK 45 – DAY 3

LONGSUFFERING LORD

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 1 Timothy 1:16

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 your life on Jesus’ potter’s wheel and submit to His design for your life.

Father, may we rest in the fact that we are the clay in the Potter’s hands and that You are patiently molding us into exactly who You want us to be.