PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 9:37-45
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“How long shall I stay with you and put up with you?” (Luke 9:41)
Jesus seems especially harsh here as he expresses his frustration.
The word ‘perverse’ is not a great translation.
The word literally means ‘turned through’ – mixed up, confused.
Maybe a better way to convey Jesus’s frustration would be:
‘Why are people these days so confused about God?’
‘Why won’t you trust me, after all you’ve seen?’
How long does Jesus put up with their confused lack of faith?
We know the answer; He puts up to death and stays with us for ever.
I can imagine how patient Jesus needs to be to work with me.
Which makes me so thankful for his immense patience (1 Timothy 1:16).
I need to remember this when other people test my patience.
I wouldn’t recommend quoting Jesus when people frustrate you.
He could say it with a love that we could never match.
How long must I put up with them… Jesus shows me how long!
PRAYER
Lord, I know I frustrate you. Thank you for your immense patience, and for putting up with and staying with me through all this. Help me to be like this with others.
“how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?” Oh Jesus – don’t give up on me! The lack of faith – I know it must frustrate you and try your patience. Oh God how you had to hold back the power to cleanse when your chosen people turned away from you. Oh HS work in my heart that I may stay on track – to follow you wherever you take me!
The disciples couldn’t heal. The disciples couldn’t understand. The disciples did not grasp. The disciples were afraid to ask for the meaning. They were His followers. They too would be standing in awe, amazed at what God can do. Yet Jesus shared His life with these disciples showing the way to Life. He continues to speak also today and I need to daily talk to Him for Him to show me the way. Open my eyes and ears that I may see Your greatness and share You with others.
1 Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
5 Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share