The Abundant Life?

James 5:7-9
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.

Patience My Brethren

James has some tough things to say to the ungodly rich in this world (See Blog post below, The Unsaved Rich), and how they mistreat God’s people. Look what he writes.


James 5:4-6
4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.


Notice in verse 4, those who did the harvesting cried out to God. Why? Injustice. Their pay was withheld. Now notice the name James ascribes to the Lord. “the Lord of Sabaoth.” Sabaoth means “armies,” or the Lord of armies, or the Lord of hosts. If one day we should experience injustice, remember, the Lord of armies is watching, and is ready to repay.

Romans 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

How are we to act and live in the meantime? Read the next verse.

James 5:7-8
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.

When the Scripture say the coming of the Lord is near, we must understand the scope of the ages. The age in which you and I live is referred to as "The ends of the ages (1 Cor. 10:11) and The consummation of the ages (Heb. 9:26). It's almost over for mankind here on this sin cursed earth. His coming is near! When the Lord comes, He will repay. He’s coming with His armies. It’s going to be a wonderful day for us, but a day of wrath and judgment for them. May we live with "Patience."

My next post will ask the question, “What will happen when Jesus comes again?”