August 13, 2019 – 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 5:7-9.

Patience is the 4th of the fruit of the spirit, after Love, Joy, and Peace. We are to be patient for the coming of the Lord. Jesus is coming soon. Although man studies the signs, and some set the date.  Yet no man knows the moment He will return to gather the faithful to Him. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”  Matthew 24:36.

God creates the seed, the farmer plants in season, and awaits its growth. The farmer removes weeds slowing the maturing of the plant. The farmer waits for rain God sends  to water the tiny seed.  The farmer waits patiently for harvest, with his heart turned to the rhythms of God’s Love.  Even so we must be patient, and set our hearts to stand firm.  Then we are blessed as we see His purpose.

Our Lord God loves us with an everlasting love. Who else but our Lord, can guide and care for us? This God—His Way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true;  He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30.

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. James 5:10-11.