James 5:7: Be Patient, Therefore, Brothers, Until The Coming Of The Lord

James 5:7
[7] 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. (ESV)

Have you ever asked the Lord to give you patience? Me neither. I am afraid that the way he would give me patience is to make me wait even longer. I am personally not a fan of waiting. Whether it is waiting in a long line for an event, being stuck in slow moving traffic, or waiting for being reunited with a special friend; I am not good at waiting.

James tells his readers to be patient until the coming of the Lord. It is important to note that he inserts the word "therefore." Every time in Scripture when you see the word "therefore," you should find out what it is "there for." James has just been talking about the rich people who were oppressing the Christian believers. He tells the Christians to be patient in relation to the oppression of the rich.

The Lord is returning. The pain and suffering that the believers were enduring at the hands of the oppressive rich was eventually going to come to an end. Just like the farmer knows that he must wait for rains to come which will prepare the soil for an abundant crop, so also the believers are to wait on the Lord to bring judgment to the rich and a reward to those who have been faithful.

I know that many believers go through almost unbearable struggles. It may not be the rich who are oppressing you, but it may be your co-workers. I know that our teenagers are often bullied by classmates for being Christian. It could even be family members who are harassing you for your faith. Be patient. The Lord is coming.

Talk to your Heavenly Father today. Tell him how you have been oppressed. He cares. He will help you to patiently wait until your deliverance and reward.