7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
These first century Jewish believers need for patience was due to the
previous text. They were being mistreated. The answer to the tribulation they were suffering is the Lord is coming. He’s the Judge who is standing right at the door.1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts;
James now gives these saints an example of the patience they and we need today.
James 5:10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Zechariah was murdered.
Jeremiah was rejected by men, and stoned to death.
Ezekiel was rejected by his people.
Isaiah was sawn in two (Heb. 11:37).
Hosea endured a heartbreaking marriage.
Elijah and Amos had to run for their lives.
Micah was smashed in the face by those who heard him.
Daniel was removed from his home, and eventually thrown into a lions den.
John the Baptist was thrown in prison and beheaded for the truth.
They were in the will of God, yet they experienced persecution and suffering.
Why were these faith hero’s stories recorded in Scripture? For our instruction (Rom. 15:4).
When I became a believer in Jesus in 1974, the gospel message included this quote. “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” It’s referred to as “an abundant life.” Never think that the abundant life Jesus came to give produces ease and pleasure. The Word of God teaches the opposite.
Matt 5:11-12
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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