Devotional - April 19, 2023
Scripture: James 5: 7-9 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
James again makes an appeal to those in the church he considers brothers and sisters in the faith. Remember this comes right after his scorching condemnation of the rich. He lowers his tone and encourages those belonging to his spiritual family. Those who deal with injustice imposed upon them on a daily basis. He uses the metaphone of the farmer, a metaphor they were intimately acquainted with, to describe their situation. Regardless of how they felt, God was near. As I mentioned last week, James thought the return of Christ was imminent. He was not alone, so did many of the New Testament writers. Yet, James was concerned about their behavior. He tells them not to grumble against one another. Grumbling was a problem then and still is one today. To complain about something in a cantankerous way was not fitting for the church (Phil 2:14). So much so, that James warns them it warrants the Lord's judgement. To look, or better said listen, to the church today, one wonders if this section of the Bible did not get printed in the newer versions. The idea of having the Judge standing at the door is two fold. One, He is about to enter or return to the church. And two, He can hear what is going on in the church. In Revelation, Jesus is envisioned as standing amidst His church (Rev 1:13-18) and also at the door (Rev 3: 20). But the fact that James warns his brothers and sisters about their grumbling also attests to his belief that the Lord is an impartial judge (Ro 2: 11). God may bestow favor, but God doesn't play favorites. The royal law that James mentioned is still the modus operandi that James calls the church to follow (Mk 12: 30-31).
Pray with me.., Gracious God, strengthen us, encourage our hearts through the power of Your Holy Spirit, so we can stand during trying times. So, we can be patient. Hear us as we pray for those who are near and dear to our hearts, our family and friends. Bless them according to their needs. And be with our church, bless us, so we can be the people you want us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace, Pastor Brian
