HANGING IN THERE

 Earlier this week, on the Feast of Thomas the Apostle, Our Lord sends out his apostles with the encouraging words, “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 24:13).

The Greek word for ¨endures¨ is hupomeno. It is made up of two parts: hupo (under) and meno (to remain constantly). The idea is to persevere, to remain no matter what.

Today´s heat has sapped my energy, I would like to pass on a brief study of the various NT appearances of hupomeno that I wrote for myself many years ago. I will leave it to the Holy Spirit to help you gain a lesson from it to apply to your own life.

“And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind (hupomēno) in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it” (Luke 2:43).

“ Then the brethren immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained (hupomēno) there” (Acts 17:14).

Stand one’s ground, hold out, endure:

“And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures (hupomēno) to the end will be saved. (Matt 10:22).

“But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 24:13).

“Therefore I endure (hupomēno) everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure(hupomēno), we shall also reign with him (2 Tim. 2:10-12).

11: Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast (hupomēno). You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11)

12: Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured (hupomēno)  the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured (hupomēno) from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Heb.12:2-3)

“For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure  (hupomēno)” (Heb.12:6-7).

“Rejoice in your hope, be patient (hupomēno) in tribulation, be constant in prayer”(Romans 12:12).

“For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it (hupomēno)  patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it (hupomēno) patiently, you have God's approval” (1 Peter 2:20).

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures (hupomēno) all things” (1 Cor. 13:7)

Änd JOY comes with dawn.