Devotional Thoughts: the Patience of Jesus

Was looking at Matthew 12:15-21 this morning.

When Jesus came to the Earth, why didn't he just crack the whip and take charge?

In some instances, he did. The way he went after hypocrites who claim to know God but really didn't. He also took on the moneychangers at the Temple.

But many other times there was a "divine shyness" (Philip Yancey introduced me to this idea in his book "Disappointment with God") to Jesus.

In verse 15, it says Jesus knew what they were planning (referring back to verse 14 where it says opponents wanted to kill Him) and it says, he simply left the area.

Jesus, the one who could call down an army of angels to smite them, just left.

Take a look at verses 19-21, I'm boldfacing the words that strike me this morning:

He will not fight or shout
he will not raise his voice in public
he will not crush those who are weak or quench the smallest hope
until he brings full justice with his final victory.
And his name will be the hope of all the world.

This reminds me of 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Until Jesus brings full justice and final victory, we as his children need to fight for justice, give hope to the weak and speak on behalf of those without a voice. And most of the time it will be in the same way Jesus did it ... one person at a time. Yes, there is a place for political action. God bless those Christians who sense a call to that realm. But for most of us, the call is to our neighbor next door, the family member, the friend, the coworker in the office and any other people God brings into our lives.

We do all this *knowing* the delay of Jesus is because this time is the time for people to repent - to turn 180 from the wrong direction - and come back to God and Jesus wants us to be tools to help that happen.