February 26 Love is Patient

John 8:48-50 The Jews answered him, “Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?” 49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.” 
 
THE rebuilder of Jerusalem after the 70-year exile in Babylon was Nehemiah. Hear his words praising God: Nehemiah 9:30-31 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. 31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah worshiped the Lord, understanding God’s patient, merciful love. The Lord’s mercy preserved Israel from annihilation. It was time to rebuild a city, a nation and the Jews’ hearts to glorify God.
   How patient and loving the Son of God was as he stood before the Jews that day in the temple. Their accusations grew larger and deeper. How repulsive it is to read their claim Jesus is demon-possessed! This is charging Jesus is the son of Satan. The great blasphemy came from those accusing Jesus of blasphemy. Certainly they deserved death.
   Further, the Jews believed they spoke a second severe insult as they accused Jesus of being a Samaritan. The people of Judea judged the Samaritans a mixed pagan-Jewish people. They were no children of Abraham! The Jewish authorities were digging deeply to discredit Jesus. Insults are sin’s weapons to minimize others. But Jesus refuses to judge them. God’s love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4a), indeed! He is also slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3)
   God’s patient, slow to anger love formed Jesus’ persistent response against the Jews’ hateful accusations. He knew his truth would create turmoil in sinful hearts. He was prepared for the battle. Foremost, Jesus kept in mind the reason and purpose of his incarnation. With love on his heart and eternal salvation on his mind, Jesus patiently loved these hateful accusers. The Savior had come to draw God’s people into God’s house. The Son of Man patiently held back the whirlwind of his judgment to await the day of salvation. Notice again that Jesus emphasizes that his actions honor the Father. He defends the Father against all insults.
   In Christ we see the Christian way. Defend God with all you say and do. Be patient and loving with your accusers and those who blaspheme God. Tell them of God. Live focused on God’s mission. Love and serve others with a patient love. This is your role. One day the whirlwind will come, and the Judge will deal with the unbelievers. Your work is to speak of Jesus, then leave the rest to the Holy Spirit.
 
Prayer: Father in heaven, holy be your name. I pray for a patient love for those who are difficult to love. Help me to speak and live my love for you and for them. Amen.