Our scripture today is James 5:7-10.
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”
James reminds us that the Day of the Lord is coming and while we must wait patiently, we must also be prepared. Jesus told the disciples “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority” (Acts 1:7), so we must always be ready for His return. James teaches us to live as if the Lord was coming back today.
Waiting has never been easy for us and we have become an impatient society. We expect instant results for everything. However, God works on a vast time scale that is beyond our understanding.
In verse 10 of this passage James tells us “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” Those who heard and answered God’s call knew that waiting patiently was part of the plan. We must cultivate a more patient manner in our lives, and be ready when He comes for us.
Gracious God, we are often overwhelmed by the speed of our world. We have caused this in our rush to “get ahead”, to amass wealth and status. Help us to slow down and to work for things that are truly important. Amen.