Verse of the Day 6/11

 

Verse of the Day 6/11

 

James 5:7-8  Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. ⁸ You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

This is one of those times of the year that I love driving in the Midwest, going through the farm fields you see that the cornstalks are growing.  It brings to mind the old farmers saying "knee high by the fourth of July".  With modern farming practices and fertilization, it is normally a given that it will be so. At the same time, the farmer must be patient, he can't force the crops to grow, they must grow day by day, nourished by the sun and getting the necessary water.  In a drought condition, they may not reach the "knee high by the 4^th of July".

Sometimes we want to see spiritual growth in our lives or in the lives of our children or loved ones.  It doesn't come automatically and it can't be forced.  It must happen day by day through the nourishment of the Son, the Living Word and the watering of the Spirit (thinking of John chapter 4).

I can't finish this without addressing the "being patient" at the beginning of the verses.  Patience is not easy and it is something that one should be careful in praying about.  The passage references Job and in Pastor Bob's series you might also look to Joseph in Genesis as examples.  They trusted God and persevered through many trials but their patience showed, and it paid off.

John Newton knew of this when he wrote the following stanza of Amazing Grace.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

May we strengthen our hearts today, giving us the strength to stand, trusting in His Amazing Grace, "because God cares, cares right down to the last detail." (v.11 The Message).

In Christ,

Mike

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James 5:7-11

The Message (MSG)

^7-8 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.

⁹ Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.

^10-11 Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.