“Blessed is the one WHO 1ENDURES TEMPTATION; for when he is tried, he will receive THE CROWN OF LIFE which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (Jam. 1:12) 1hupomenō: bear up against, persist. In ancient Greek the word was used in a military context, to refer to a soldier who had been severely wounded, but who would bite his lip and grit his teeth and silently and patiently ENDURE THE PHYSICAL PAIN and emotional strain with which he had been afflicted. It was also used to describe a courageous and obstinate warrior who FIRMLY STOOD HIS GROUND, who firmly refused to throw in the towel and give up and give in. “…we think that people who don’t give up are blessed. You have heard that JOB WAS PATIENT. And you have seen what the Lord finally did for him.” (Jam. 5:11)
Paul wrote, “…we have this TREASURE in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of the power may be OF GOD AND NOT OF US; in EVERY WAY having been TROUBLED, but not having been hemmed in; having been PERPLEXED, but not utterly at a loss; having been PERSECUTED, but not having been forsaken; having been THROWN DOWN, but not having been destroyed…(2 Corin. 4:7-9) Why not? It is because of what he would write just a few verses later: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive the things done through the body, ACCORDING TO THAT WHICH WE HAVE DONE, whether good or bad.” (2 Corin. 5:10)
The patriarch Job and the apostle Paul serve as good examples of men who knew how to persevere. But, of course, the best example ever of perseverance is none other than our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In Hebrews we read, “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him ENDURED the cross, DESPISING the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who ENDURED SUCH HOSTILITY from sinners against Himself, lest you become WEARY AND DISCOURAGED in your souls. You have not yet RESISTED TO BLOODSHED, striving against sin.” (Heb. 12:2-4)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham