James 5:7-9 — We keep on waitin'... (waitin'...)

READ THIS: James 5:7-9

7 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. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

I don't know about you, but patience is certainly not my greatest spiritual gift, and I am especially not great at waiting for something I know is coming soon! Today, we read that we have the best thing in the world coming soon... Jesus! He's coming back to bring judgement for all along with peace and life forever to anyone who believes in Him. How awesome is that?! Only one problem: we don't know when. Oof.

So what on earth are we supposed to do til then?! 3 things: Be patient, stand firm, and quit grumbling.

  • Be patient: Trust in God's timing, even when it doesn't work like our timing
  • Stand firm: Remember and hold true to what we have been taught in God's Word
  • Quit grumbling: Even on your hardest days, respond with joy as we wait for Jesus to come back

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Of the three things James tells us we need to do here, which do you think you need the most work on today?

2. When you think of Jesus coming back and judging everyone, us included, does that leave you feeling more excited or more scared? How does knowing what Jesus did on the cross bring joy to that judgment?

 
TRY THIS:

Think of something you want to really do later today (or tomorrow if you are reading at night). Make yourself wait an extra 30 minutes for it if you can, and instead, replace that time with some Jesus time!

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2023 at 9:11 AM

    Because of my perfectionist up bringing I see blemishes, and sometimes I will say something. I need to hold my tongue. I was reading about the tabernacle and the sacrifices this morning. Perfection -making the articles for the tabernacle exactly the way God directed was so important, unblemished animals for sacrifices, etc. I realize this was before Jesus, but it was at God’s orders. I realize I am not to be a judge of people, is it wrong to judge workmanship? I know I’m off track here, but I do struggle with this.
    I know in my head that God forgives. My heart is learning to follow—it hasn’t been easy. But I am so unbelievably thankful for His grace!

    ReplyDelete

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