Be Patient

from Brahms RequiemII. Chorus
All flesh is like grassand all its glory like the flower of grass.The grass withers,and the flower falls - 1 Peter 1:24Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient - James 5:7-8What an interesting juxtaposition of verses. They seem to work against each other. How can we be told to be patient when we are like the grass that withers and falls quickly? It is because our lives are short that we are impatient. There is so much to accomplish and so little time.But take these verses as being spoken by the Lord to you (which he is).

He is saying, "I know how you feel. I know how fragile life is and the pain and worries that you feel. But be patient. I will return at the time appointed. Nothing is being forgotten or left undone. My Father's plans are being carried out as intended, and those plans are for your good."The 1 Peter passage ends with these words: "'But the word of the Lord remains forever.' And this word is the good news that was preached to you." The James passage concludes, "Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Do you see then what matters? It is to remain steadfast in your faith, to remain faithful to your God, believing that his word will remain true forever. It is believing through the trials of life that he will keep his promise and someday return to bring suffering and death to an end. It is believing that someday your flesh will be not as the grass of the fields but as the stars of the sky shining with glory.