Bread from the Basket: Your Daily Slice

ADAR BET 20

For the Long Haul

“…and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance).” (2Pet 1:6 AMPC)

A marathon is a long-distance race that covers a minimum distance of a 42.195 km, some 26+ miles[1]. For those of us living in American, we are well familiar with the Boston Marathon, of some notoriety, and of the struggle many contestants have just completing the race. I have an acquaintance who is a long-distance runner, and while he has never participated in the Boston Marathon, he has not only run in, but finished well in several others. The commitment and discipline that he shows while training for these marathons is not only commendable but note-worthy. Our opening verse could well apply to this young man, for not only does he exercise self-control, but he also cultivates the patience, the persevering endurance and the tenacity needed to be a successful marathon runner.

Hupomonē (Strong’s G5281) is the word used in our opening verse, translated as ‘steadfastness, patience and endurance’. Other words associated with the meaning of hupomonē include perseverance and fortitude, together with the thought of standing strong and committed while under testing and trials. I see the picture of the marathon runner completely committed to not just running the race, but finishing it in the best way possible.

The Apostle James carries this idea one step further in verses found in the first chapter of the book of his name: “My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the proving of your belief works endurance (hupomonē)” (Jam 1:2-3, emphasis and insert mine). I have always had a big lump in my throat at the idea of being joyful while under fire, so to speak, but that is exactly the concept found in this word hupomonē, frequently translated as ‘patience’. Truthfully, I believe we too often abort the work of hupomonē in our lives with all of the murmuring, grumbling and complaining that we do: “Are we there yet?”

Applying what we have learned to date, it is as we stay faithful to the discipline and self-control taught to us in the Torah that the patience and endurance of hupomonē will expand and flourish in our lives. And there we have another building block applied, set in place with mortar, and sealed strong.

“And let endurance (hupomonē ) have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught.” (Jam 1:4 ISR)