Date: 11-13-14
Text: — James 5:7-9 — 7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is 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 each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Like for the farmer, the “Valuable Crop” will appear.
My Thoughts:
Back in the 70’s I composed a song entitled: “Second Coming Blues.” As you can imagine, it had a hard, classic blues beat. The gist of the song was, “I’m blue cause You haven’t come back yet.” (The lyrics were far more melodious, to be sure.)
Anyway, do you get blue sometimes because the Lord hasn’t returned yet, lifestyle worshipers? Sounds like James is helping us in dealing with these blues. Yes, the wait has been long, and like the farmer, the “Valuable Crop” will appear—in all His Glory, but until then we need not be singing the blues or grumbling or, yes, even whining. But instead, let us patiently endure the personal conflicts until then.
Oh, make no mistake about it, though: He is coming again; quickly in fact. In the meantime let us encourage each other all the more, especially as we see that day approaching. Your thoughts on how we can encourage one another while we patiently wait on the Lord?
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
Then [Jesus] said to His disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.”— Luke 17:22 (NIV84)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.—Hebrews 10:25 (NIV84)
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. —Romans 13:11-12 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, I lift my eyes up and wait expectantly for Your glorious appearing. In the meantime, empower me to live a Life that is pleasing to You, In Your Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike