By Kyle Beshears
Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
With Anticipation
James 5:7–9, 13–20
Patience (7–9)
Apparently one of the sources of contention among the church to whom James wrote was rich people oppressing the less fortunate. The beginning of James 5 is an admonition against the rich for placing their faith in their temporary, material wealth while simultaneously withholding proper wages from their workers.
On the heels of chastising selfish rich people — for there is a selfless way the wealthy can please the Lord — James turns to those who were being oppressed. His advice: Be patient. Although they were going through trials beyond their control, the Lord Jesus will come again soon to right all wrongs. In our fallen world sin subjects everyone to trials, whether rich or poor. We are all simultaneously victims and victimizers, oppressed and oppressors, lost in the midst of various trials.
When all seems hopeless James casts our eyes forward to the coming of the Lord. His judgment is perfect and His power is absolute. He will come to abolish trials forever, having experienced the pinnacle of oppression on the cross, yet raising victoriously over death three days later.
Are you experiencing a season of trial? Never forget that the Lord Jesus, who dwelt among humanity, sympathizes with your suffering having been tempted and tried like us yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). And that very same Lord Jesus is coming again. Ultimately our capacity to accept or tolerate suffering depends on our faithful anticipation of Christ’s return. The Christ who suffered is coming to those who suffer to destroy suffering forever.
Prayer (13–18)
How do we endure suffering and sustain our faithful anticipation of Christ’s return? Through prayer. James instructs us on the importance of prayer, especially for those suffering illness and guilt over sin. As an example James reminds us of the prophet Elijah, who prayed in part that the “people will know that You, the Lord, are God and that You have turned their hearts back” (1 Kings 18:37). Whether in illness or guilt, prayer is a reminder that God is in control and that He desires our hearts.
Are you facing some illness or burdened by the illness of a loved one? Let your prayers be framed with the firm understanding that God holds all things together in His hands, that “all things work together for the good of those who love God” (Rom. 8:28). Illness and suffering have an expiration date at the coming of the Lord Jesus. Are you burdened by the guilt of sin? Frame your prayers in the kind of repentance that turns your heart back to God who, in His mercy and grace, is always willing to embrace you as a son and daughter once again.
Protecting (19–20)
What if our prayer is not for our own sin but the sin of others? James continues his instruction with the reconciliation of wayward brothers and sisters who for one reason or another have wandered from the truth. It is important to note that James is not advocating for the possibility of losing salvation, for we know that “He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). Instead James is concerned for the protection and health of the community. He wants to ensure that Christians are constantly on guard for the safety of one another so that they might flourish in the love and grace of Christ. Specifically James instructs those who have strayed and returned from error to recognize the graciousness they received from their concerned brothers and sisters.
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