THE COMING NEW AGE

JAMES 5:7–9

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains

(James 5:7).

James turns his attention back to the family of God in James 5:7 when he says, “Therefore, be patient brothers.” He calls for them to persevere, using the rains and farming practices of Israel as an example. There are two distinct seasons of rain in Palestine. The first rains, in the autumn, are like a down payment of what will follow. This early rain begins the crop’s growth, but the farmer cannot harvest the crop until the latter rains of March and April because it takes this season to fully ripen the grain to harvest. The farmer must be patient not to harvest too soon.

The whole point James makes with this image is that in the midst of suffering, the poor are called to be patient until the day of the Lord. God promises categorically to right every wrong on that day. Justice does not prevail in this world, and many never will see it in this life. But on Judgment Day, those who exploit and oppress the poor will see all they have taken away. And those who are oppressed will be filled and satisfied. Our Father will turn this topsy-turvy world right side up. This is the promise of God. Meanwhile, those who are victims must be patient.

Verses eight and nine remind believers not to become frustrated with each other when they are powerless and suffering because of exploiters. In such situations people are tempted to misdirect their anger toward those who are equally powerless. Instead, James exhorts us to look to two examples. First, consider the prophets because they patiently endured great oppression and injustice. And second, think of Job who suffered so severely. When Job survived everything, God blessed him, doubling his wealth. So with us, God promises the inheritance of the kingdom of God and the riches of Christ. But it is a promise not for the present but for eternity.

But a great mistake in modern Christianity is found in those theologies that presume to teach that God will give all those blessings now. Such “name-it-and-claim-it” theology is a distortion. God does promise prosperity and blessing, but He promises if as a future inheritance of His people. Our responsibility in godliness is to be patient and to await that great day.

CORAM DEO

Hebrews 11–13

In times of frustration or oppression, have you grumbled or lashed out at others near you who were also in pain or need? Have you taken out frustrations on your spouse or your children, your parents or roommate? Ask God for patience in such times, and for sensitivity to those you know in such situations.

For further study: Deut. 11:13–15 • Matt. 6:19–21 • 1 Peter 4:7–11

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