Page 66 - The Road from Babylon to Zion

James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let
endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing.

It takes endurance to bring the saints to the place where they are “perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing.” The Father is patient in His activity toward us. If we
fail the test the first time, He will bring us to the test yet again. He is persistent
because He yearns for maturity and perfection in His children.

This is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of the road to Zion. It is a seemingly
endless road. It is not a road that is traversed in a moment, but a road that requires
endurance if one would reach the end. The saint that goes a distance and then
refuses to go any further will fail to reach the destination and receive the prize. The
saint must endure to the end of the race.

Hebrews 10:36-39
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of
God, you may receive what was promised. FOR YET IN A VERY
LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT
DELAY. BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF
HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we
are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have
faith to the preserving of the soul.

Note once more the use of the word endurance in this scripture. Yahweh has no
pleasure in the saint that lacks endurance. The last days have been foretold to be
perilous time where the love of many will fail. Many who once professed faith in God
will fall away, but the Overcomers will endure to the end.

Matthew 24:12-13
“Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.
But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

Mark 13:13
"You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures
to the end, he will be saved.”

I know many of those reading these words feel that they are at the end of their
endurance. The way has been bitter and hard. Your heart has been broken time and
again, and your hope has been deferred. Thinking about enduring yet more trials,
suffering, and delays tears at your heart. Yet the reward is great for the one who