Let's Finish James

We are finishing our reading in the book of James on a challenging passage. James 5:7-11:

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

Let’s not miss the opportunity we have been given in the middle of this unique time in history, an opportunity to show and practice patience- a book of Job kind of patience.

Our current culture of faster, better, hurry, hectic, hustle, speed, stress, and anxiety is not the most fertile soil for patience. That is where you and I can make a difference and create contrast. Here is our weekend challenge from James - when you are tempted to grumble (I like that word - we could translate it literally from the original Greek as a sigh, to groan, or complain), turn your thoughts to this passage from James. May you remember our challenge to practice and show a Job kind of patience.

I hope to see you in person or online this weekend for part four of our series, “What Would Jesus Undo.”

-Bradley