Thursday, August 11, 2011
Words of comfort to the suffering and to the oppressed.
James 5, for the most part speaks to those who were suffering and were being oppressed by others. See James 5:6b-11
Of note right off the bat, is that these suffering christians, who in this case were being oppressed and de-frauded by some corrupt rich people were not resisting, or fighting back. It's not explained to us, but, it is stated that they were not resisting these corrupt people, and they were apparently just trusting God in the midst of their suffering and troubles. A good thing to do, "to trust the Lord" God is faithful to take care of His people, and to defend them, but, it's important then, that His people place their troubles in His hands, and let Him do the defending.
A specific word of encouragement is given to those who were suffering.
It's found in James 5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
The Lord through James is saying, in light of what is happening to you ( this oppression through the holding back of your wages ) "be patient, brethren"
The word patient here, and the idea of being patient, means to bear long, to suffer long, be longsuffering, and to patiently endure.
It also means, to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart. To persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles. Be patient in bearing the offenses of others.
And to be mild and slow in avenging, to be slow to anger, slow to punish.
There is more to be said to these suffering christians, but for today's devotional, this is the word and idea to take in and consider. Be patient. Very simple.
Lord, it may be simple, and we thank You that You do not make things complicated for us. But, it's simply not always easy to be patient. So, we are asking for ourselves ( if we are at this time suffering, and for those we know who may be suffering ) that You would help to be patient. We know this is Your will, and thus we can know for sure that You will help. Thank You Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Application/Promise
1. It's not always easy to be patient.
2. It's very possible with God's help.
3. You can be patient by His help
4. Jesus was patient on our behalf.
5. Patience is the goal the Lord has for us.
6. May His grace abound to you today.
7. May God give you peace today.
Of note right off the bat, is that these suffering christians, who in this case were being oppressed and de-frauded by some corrupt rich people were not resisting, or fighting back. It's not explained to us, but, it is stated that they were not resisting these corrupt people, and they were apparently just trusting God in the midst of their suffering and troubles. A good thing to do, "to trust the Lord" God is faithful to take care of His people, and to defend them, but, it's important then, that His people place their troubles in His hands, and let Him do the defending.
A specific word of encouragement is given to those who were suffering.
It's found in James 5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
The Lord through James is saying, in light of what is happening to you ( this oppression through the holding back of your wages ) "be patient, brethren"
The word patient here, and the idea of being patient, means to bear long, to suffer long, be longsuffering, and to patiently endure.
It also means, to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart. To persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles. Be patient in bearing the offenses of others.
And to be mild and slow in avenging, to be slow to anger, slow to punish.
There is more to be said to these suffering christians, but for today's devotional, this is the word and idea to take in and consider. Be patient. Very simple.
Lord, it may be simple, and we thank You that You do not make things complicated for us. But, it's simply not always easy to be patient. So, we are asking for ourselves ( if we are at this time suffering, and for those we know who may be suffering ) that You would help to be patient. We know this is Your will, and thus we can know for sure that You will help. Thank You Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Application/Promise
1. It's not always easy to be patient.
2. It's very possible with God's help.
3. You can be patient by His help
4. Jesus was patient on our behalf.
5. Patience is the goal the Lord has for us.
6. May His grace abound to you today.
7. May God give you peace today.
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