Have you ever waited eagerly but impatiently for someone’s arrival? Or perhaps it was just the opposite, you knew someone was coming, but really didn’t want them to show up. Maybe it was the holidays, and you were eagerly awaiting a beloved relative to finally show up. Perhaps they lived far away, and in the days before cell phones and GPS, you weren’t sure exactly when they would show up. Or perhaps when you were a child and up to some mischief and pranks, you didn’t want your parents or the teacher to show up, but knew they could at any time. Our Scripture today speaks of waiting for Someone to show up, and urges us to continue to be patient.
Patience is a virtue that the Lord wants His children to cultivate in their lives, as it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. James is instructing us here that, in addition to the usual things that we might get impatient about, there is another thing that Christians sometimes get a little impatient for, and that is for when the Lord Jesus will return (vs. 7). This can be particularly true when our lives are hard, and we are going through some difficult times. When we are going through health struggles, financial difficulties, family problems, or even persecutions, we may start really longing for the return of the Lord Jesus, which will bring an end to our problems. When we look around the world today and see all of the sin and evil going on day after day, we long for His return when He will put an end to all of that.
Desiring the return of Jesus is a good thing, however James instructs us to be patient for that day. Though Jesus gave us some indicators when that day is getting closer, we do not know exactly when that day will occur. It could be any day, and we are to wait for that day with patience, just like the farmers wait patiently for their crops (vs. 7-8). The farmer waits for his fruit with patience, and likewise we must endure trials, trusting in God’s timing. Patience here is not passive resignation, but active endurance, rooted in faith that God is working all things for good.
The return of Jesus is imminent, it could happen at any time. This should motivate us to more holy living and patient endurance. In the days of the Old Testament, faithful Jews eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah. He did come, though, “in the fullness of time”, when God planned. During Advent we remember that time of waiting, as we also eagerly await His second coming. Until then we should be living each day as if Jesus could return this very hour.
In the meantime, James tells us to “establish our hearts” (vs. 8). That means to strengthen, to fix firmly, and to anchor our inner life in Jesus. Such stability comes from reading and studying the Scripture, by prayer, and obedience to the Lord, not through emotions or circumstances. When we establish our faith firmly in God’s promises, He will strengthen our hearts as we wait for His return.
James also warns us against grumbling and murmuring against our Christian brothers and sisters (vs. 9). We should not be the type of person that holds grudges and harbors bitterness over things others have done. Though sometimes it is not easy, we need to practice forgiveness and unity, knowing that Jesus Himself is the Judge. If we are busy grumbling and holding grudges, we only invite God’s chastening. James reminds us not to fall into the trap of acting any way we might want to, as Jesus could return at any time. As he states, the Judge is right outside the door!
We are then counseled to take for our example other godly believers and saints from the past, those in the Bible, and also those throughout the centuries since then (vs. 10). They lived lives of patience and often of suffering, as well, and consistently gave witness to the Name of Jesus, both by word and their example. Many endured affliction faithfully, modeling patience for us. Their endurance should encourage us to remain steadfast when mocked or opposed.
Jesus is standing right at the door. At any moment He may come through. Are we patiently waiting for His return? Are we busy doing what He has instructed us to do, or are we living the way the world wishes and up to no good? Let’s be patient and persevere!
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