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Patience required waiting for the Lord

Scripture reading for October 11th: James 5

Key Scriptures: James 5:7-9 “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. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

James knew and believed that Jesus Christ would return to earth for His people. He taught the church using the example of a patient farmer who had planted seed and was awaiting its growth to maturity and a harvest. In the waiting, the crop would need rain from heaven early to get it started and growing. It would also need the later rains to fill the seeds and fruit and bring maturity. In the same manner, believers having in them the Seed of Christ, would also need patience to wait for Christ’s return. They would need early rain for the Seed of the Word to grow and be planted in them. The later rains would refresh them and bring the fruits of their lives to maturity. Grumbling and living in known sin would not prepare them for the coming of the Judge–Who was standing right at the door awaiting God’s signal to come for His Bride.

James 5:10-11 “As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

Faith confession and prayer: Father God, as a farmer, You have taught me the need for patience in waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. Help me to have the same patience with my brothers and sisters in the church as you cultivate their lives through the trials and tests of life. Allow me to rescue the wanderer and see restoration. Give me the steadfastness of Job that I might experience Your mercy and compassion and share it with others.

James 5:19-21 “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”