JOB AND HIS PATIENCE
James encourages us to be patient. The Greek word for "patient:" means: "to endure" or to persevere". We are called to keep going, and not to give up.
James mentions the example of Job, as a man who displayed "patience".
We are told that Job was "patient" even though there were times when Job was definitely NOT patient! The main thing about Job was his endurance. He kept trusting God, even though his time of suffering made no sense to him.
"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
James warns the rich that the Lord of Sabbath is watching what they do. Now, in 5:9 he warns Christians who grumble that the Judge is "at the door."
All through James we find references to the IMMINENT return of Christ.
Everything is on the brink!
Notice these points he makes:
Life is short
The rich will pass away like grass
Now is the best time to do something
Settle problems between yourselves right now
Don't just say you are a Christian do something about it
Resist the devil, starting right now
Do good when you can - today
The Lord of Sabbath is watching
The coming of the Lord is at hand
The Judge is at the door.
you knew for sure that Jesus was really coming at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning.
What would you do? What changes would you make in your life? Who would you talk to, who would you apologize to? What would you do with your money? How would you behave? James had this sort of attitude to life - do you?
