Scripture:
[7] Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. [8] You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Observation:
Using the illustration of a farmer patiently waiting for proper rain to plow his fields and then again for rain to grow his crops, James writes that a person must have patience. Patience for the coming of the Lord and the judgement to follow. While ACTIVELY waiting patiently, they were told to establish their hearts.
Application:
Good things don’t normally come to us without some action on our part, nor do they come to us immediately, so we need patience. The ultimate “good thing” we are expecting is the coming of Christ Jesus. What a glorious day that will be!
We know that “..the coming of the Lord is at hand.” and just as they felt in James’ day that the glorious day may be very soon, we believe the same. It may be today, it may be next year, it may be in 100 years. In any event, while we wait expectantly there are actions we should be taking. We cannot waste that time. We should be allowing the Lord to use us to accomplish his work and most of all, we should be focused on Jesus, getting our hearts right with Him.
Prayer:
Lord I love You. I look forward to the day You come and how glorious it will be. Until that day comes or I am called to You, Lord, use me as you will. Help me prepare for that day, keeping my heart right with You and my focus on You. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.