Read James 5:7-12
What are you waiting on right now? Maybe it’s news from the doctor on a test. Maybe it’s a box of goodies in the mail. Maybe it’s that vacation you just booked. We all share in the wait for Jesus’ return, and James calls it out plain as day in this text. Are you feeling patient today? James said, “Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
James has us think about farmers. Think of the patience it requires to plant seeds every spring and then wait. Wait to see if the seeds sprout like they’re supposed to. Wait to see if the rains come at just the right time. Wait for storms to pass so you can assess the damage. Wait for the crops to be ready for harvest. That’s a lot of waiting. But farmers accept the wait. They know it’s all part of the plan.
How are you at waiting? I’ve been known to drive a block out of my way to avoid a stop light. That’s not very patient is it! That was until I took up the practice of using those wait times for prayer. What better way to spend time that could have been wasted than to spend it with God. Whatever pops into my head or whoever pops into my head would be part of the conversation I had with God in those moments.
The same thing can happen in the line at the grocery store. I’ve often prayed for people standing in the next aisle or for the cashier. It’s an honor to go before our Lord and just ask for his blessing of peace to reign supreme. It makes the waiting enjoyable.
I like how James gives a shout out to the prophets. As we read about their lives and how God used them, we can clearly see their special qualities of patience and endurance. Prophets are not usually the popular ones in town because God’s truth can sting if you’re not following God’s will.
And Job. Anytime I start feeling sorry for myself for something I’m going through, I can’t help but think of Job. He endured so much suffering in his life but remained faithful to God throughout. We see how God allowed Satan access to Job. Satan was sure Job would crumble under all the testing. God believed in Job. He believes is us, too. James says, “the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.”
Do you believe that? Have you experienced God’s tender side?
I’m not sure how verse 12 fits in, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do a whole reflection on just oaths. “But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.” James does give us good counsel here to be careful not to make an oath. Quite frankly, how many people make oaths anymore!
In James’ context, the idea of making oaths would have been much more common. An oath would assure that the action promised was now binding and expected. Yet, if the language was “wrong” the oath may be worthless. Matthew’s gospel also speaks of oaths in Chapter 5:33-37.
Disciples or those making a vow or oath must keep their word. No one should break vows unless keeping them requires sin. To break an oath made in God’s name would be catastrophic. James’ solution is straightforward. “Never take an oath.” Don’t swear you’ll do something, just say, “Yes. I’ll do it.”
Let’s tie the thoughts and intentions of this passage by saying, “Yes, I’ll wait patiently on the Lord’s return!”
Let’s pray. Father, you know how hard it is for me to wait. I thank you that I now use those times of endurance building by praying and spending time with you. I know you are building me stronger each and every day as I wait for your return. I look to the sky often wondering if it will be today. I know your timing is perfect. Thank you for how you are preparing me for each new adventure and encounter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
