James 5
March 22, 2022
“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.” (v7-8)
Three times in two verses James calls for “patience” - to wait for the Lord’s coming and the harvest that will be ours when He returns. This life is often marked by “suffering” (v10) and the need to “persevere” (v11). But this life is not the final chapter of the story. No, there is a day coming when Jesus will return and set everything to rights, establishing His Kingdom, a good and glorious Kingdom that will be marked by “peace, justice and righteousness forever!” (Isaiah 9:7)
Lord, I praise You for the power You give me to be patient and to persevere through hardship and suffering. And I thank You for the promise of a Kingdom that is coming, which will make the hardship of this life seem like a “light and momentary affliction” (2 Cor 4:17). Renew in me this eternal perspective. Help me to keep “the long view” in mind throughout this day and all my days. Stamp eternity into both of my eyes!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
