Matthew 23:37
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
Tag: The Kindness and Patience of God.
In this section of Matthew’s gospel we are hearing Christ’s own words on the end time. In the above passage Christ is talking about how He and the Father have been patiently waiting for Israel to come, in faithfulness, to Christ. Christ is expressing how patience and good God is, despite the rebellious nature of Israel. Notice how Paul picks up on this same theme in his letter to the Roman believers:
Romans 2:4
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
God is kind and patience and bears with us. Why? Because He is giving every ounce of time for our repentance. That “time” runs out, at some point. We have to remember that God does NOT want to punish mankind. In Peter’s words it sounds like this:
2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God wants to give others the opportunity to receive His blessing. But, that patience and waiting is not forever. God is patience. Noah preached and built the ark for 120 years before the flood. God waited 800 years during the time of the prophets to ultimate place His people into His captivity. God is patiently waiting today for people to repent. God is patient with us. Much more than we are with Him.
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