The patience of God, and of Jesus. Despite years of messages from God through the mouths of the prophets, His chosen people still did not listen to or take correction from Him (Jer.7). Yet the Lord continued to cherish them, to care for them, even when He seemed to be utterly weary of them and threatening them. And when Jesus came and showed God's power at work in what He was doing, healing, curing, releasing from bondage and from sin, and people were amazed at what they saw, there were still others who couldn't accept the evidence of their own eyes, and kept asking for a sign. Illogically, as Jesus pointed out, some were even suggesting that it was through the power of the prince of devils that He was casting out devils. Jesus was patient with them, but the truth of the matter was that 'the kingdom of God had overtaken the world'. Despite all those signs and messages and the presence of Christ among us, people still keep asking for signs today, asking for messages, but do not seem to hear or listen to God's word. But He is patient. In this time of Lent, of renewal and change, may these words of scripture inspire me to listen more closely to the Lord's word, to His invitation to be 'with Him', not against Him, to gather up rather than scatter. Like Jeremiah, He is also inviting me to be His prophet, to speak for Him in my life and behaviour, even though there will be many who don't listen or won't accept.