December 1, 2025 - James 5

James concludes his letter with a warning to those of whom he says, “You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence” (5:5.).  To those brothers in Christ who suffer under the mistreatment of the rich James writes, “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.  You also, be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (5:7-8).  Patience can be so hard.  To endure suffering in the moment, and sometimes for long seasons, in order to receive future blessings; may I write it, again?  That is hard!  And it brings to mind Jim Elliot’s famous observation:  “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  Oh, “the riches of his glorious inheritance” (Ephesians 1:19)!  An inheritance, blessings, joy worth waiting for even though it’s hard!

Patience, people, till the Lord is come

See the farmer await the yield of the soil

He watches it in winter and in spring rain

Patience, people, for the Lord is coming

Patience, people, till the Lord is come

You have seen the purpose of the Lord

You know of His compassion and His mercy

Patience, people, for the Lord is coming

Patience, people, till the Lord is come

Steady your hearts, for the Lord is close at hand

And do not grumble on against the order

Patience, people, for the Lord is coming.   –John B. Foley (1977)