The Patient Wait
As we are the season of Pentecost approaches, it’s a reminder to those who follow The Way, the Truth and The Life, the Firstfruit of the Harvest, that their change is coming in the fullness of time.
The burdens of our crumbling world can cause us to be impatient, and they may very well be, given the ever-changing dynamics of society as they affect those of us who cling to the “faith once delivered to the saints.” But don’t take for granted that long-suffering or patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit given in Galatians 5. Patient, as well as the other fruits, have been given for a reason by an omniscient God who knows what His people will have to endure during the time leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.
James 1:2 reminds us, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Verse 12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
We are in the season that’s reminding us of our destination as we exercise patience and wait for our Saviour to return to establish His everlasting kingdom. 1 Cor. 15; 19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”
It behooves us during this Holy Day Season of Pentecost or the Feast of Firstfruits that Jesus Christ has already paved the way for those in the Body of Christ to become part of what He started – to become a firstfruit of the harvest. He’s already the firstfruit, but there’s more to come, and the Body of Christ awaits it’s turn to be get “the crown of life.”
Romans 5: 1-6, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
We must tell ourselves that we are overcomers; with patience we have been overcomers thus far, but we still have some time before we realize the full joy awaiting us. We have to be overcomes like Christ, Rev; 3:21, “ To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
The choice is going to be ours to continue that wait of faith; the patient wait. The firstfruits of the harvest await their change, which will come at that time the Sovereign God decides. It will come. Let’s all be patient. In the meantime, let’s acknowledge and celebrate His “appointed time” the Day of Pentecost, which empowers us to continue our journey with patience.