Our Scripture meditation is based on Romans 15:4–6, part of next week’s Epistle Lesson.
[4] For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. [5] May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, [6] that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since we don’t know when Jesus will return, Advent is a season of patience. Yet patience in not always our strong suit as Christians. We can become impatient in worship when a hymn has nine stanzas. How are we supposed to cope with Jesus taking a couple thousand of years to come again?
God in His mercy provides us with endurance and encouragement. Endurance is patient perseverance, continuing in faith despite pressure. Encouragement is comfort or consolation or caring exhortation. How does God provide these to us?
The clearest answer from the Bible passage is the Bible itself. God works in us through His Word to provide endurance and encouragement. Some Scripture passages are universally encouraging, such as John 3:16 or John 14:1-4. Other Bible passages seem to fuel endurance more based on our situation. When I consider family and friends who have fallen asleep in the Lord, Jesus’ words in John chapter 11 come to mind: “…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…”.
It is important to note that encouragement can also mean having someone come alongside us in our efforts to remain patient. The sense is God is also providing for us through other people. It is no accident that Romans chapter 15 starts with calling the strong in the faith to bear with the failings of the weak. We’re also instructed to please our neighbors. This is all evidence of God also working through His people to provide endurance and encouragement.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 