“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
Hupomone
- steadfastness, constancy, endurance
- in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
- patiently, and steadfastly
- a patient, steadfast waiting for
- a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
So far we have talked about characteristics of the men we call the major prophets that qualify them as Hupomone Men. They were all called by God to be His (just as we are). They all committed there way to him in body, mind and soul….and perhaps more importantly in action daily. They recognized and imitated God’s undying love for a disobedient people. Finally their core purpose was to serve God, even when it meant death.
We might be tempted to think that the Hupomone life is a horrible grind. We may even take on the attitude that life is horrible but as men of God we will endure it. There have been (and are) entire movements of faith based on this very concept, that somehow our lives as men of God should be this slogging through a swamp of suffering. This is not the lot of the Hupomone Man. In our title scripture Jesus makes this clear. Nor is the Hupomone Man going to walk through life without negative circumstances.
Daniel survived the siege of Jerusalem. He was ripped from his family and taken to Babylon to serve the man who destroyed his home. Every move that Daniel makes and records for us reflects the Hupomone Man and the abundant life that God affords to those who follow Him. It is an abundance that is not dependent on circumstances. It is an abundance born of patience, of perseverance. It is an abundance that causes three young men to face a mighty king and say, “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:18 Daniel faces the lion’s den with the aplomb of someone who recognizes the abundance of the Hupomone life. It is an abundance that transcends death itself. It is a life that is based on the very Word of God, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in Righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for good work.” 2 Timothy 2:16-17 Paul called on all followers of Christ to live the hupomone life. It is life that does not depend on circumstances but is anchored firmly on the rock, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
“But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
The Hupomone Man has enveloped himself in the hope that does not disappoint. Peter calls it a “living” hope. (1 Peter 1:3). It is this hope that is at the base of the abundant life we have in Jesus and at the core of hupomone living.
Ezekiel was one far out dude. I could focus on the wheels, sing about dem dry bones or wish that I could see the beasts of his prophecy in the zoo but I want to step away from the details of Ezekiel’s message. Let’s focus on an aspect of Ezekiel’s life that make’s him another Hupomone Man.
Fan Into Flame Ministries 