Jesus is coming back, y'all. James, no.25
- Christine DiGiacomo
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Picture the man, James, likely in a small place, praying, thinking about and writing to those he knows - those who are struggling with the implications of this new found faith in Jesus Christ. He is also leading the first church in Jerusalem desiring always that those he teaches will mature in their Christian faith. Here are some of his last thoughts to them:
"Be patient, then, brothers [and sisters] until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!"
James 5.7-9
With the stroke of the pen, James switches his attention from those who are living contrary to God--priority for money causing them to be dishonest, (James 5.1-6), back to the Jewish Christians who have been the focus of most of his letter.
Note: in my last Morning Briefing, I referenced how to approach the study of Scripture, including learning 'to whom the writing is addressed' and 'for what purpose'. Most of James' writing had broader application than just the first century believers; you and I do not want us to miss all that James has to say in these three short verses.
First, he revisits the start of his letter encouraging those in the throes of severe trials, reminding them that difficulties are opportunities for growth and for God to shape our character. I read this thought from Gary Smalley many years ago, and find it helpful:
->IF, in the middle of the sandstorm, you can pick out a possible pearl, (something good you'll be able to take from your circumstance, even if it is just that you will be able to encourage someone in a similar situation), it takes some of the sting out of the present moment, and actually gives it meaning. You might need to read that again.
Secondly, James tells the believers the 'coming of the Lord is near.' Oh, let's talk about the grand and glorious coming of our Lord! Jesus told His beloved disciples, "I will
come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am."1
After Jesus told them that He would be leaving them. . . He assures them
that He will come back. "For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done."2 (Red lettering because these were Jesus' recorded words; this is what He had to say about coming back to earth)
Then Jesus tells them how he will come back - in the clouds. "They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory."3
And from Paul, 'For the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. . . . and we'll be caught up together with them in the clouds. . ."4 These verses are often called 'the blessed hope,' because that is what the second coming represents to Christ followers: hope realized.
Sometimes when I am driving down the road, looking out at the shades of blues in the skies, and the various cloud formations, I think. . . 'today, Lord? Is this the day You will return?' Am I the only one who wonders this? Hmmm...what do you think the clouds will look like on that day, that day He comes again?
I should like to put my request in for those well-formed grayish clouds, outlined on the top with what looks like liquid silver against an amber glow, and the sun's rays shooting out behind them. How magnificent!
And I wonder, do you think we'll be able to see the trumpet, or just hear it? Go ahead. . . take a moment and imagine that day, and wax creative--our Lord certainly will be.
As a case study in patience, James points to the farmer, waiting for the rain in Israel. It rains in October and November soon after the grain is sown, and then in
March and April, just before harvest. The farmers had patience because they knew they could expect these weather patterns; the Christian, seeking to be patient in the
face of trials should also draw strength from the promise of Jesus' return.
James admonishes "STAND FIRM," words so familiar to the Jewish people. In Exodus, after Moses led the people out of the captivity of Egypt, they began grumbling, (can you imagine? Free at last, but a ripple in the road, and they demand, 'take us back to Egypt!') It was then that God did the miracle of dividing the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through on dry land, followed by the swallowing up of the Egyptians when they stepped into the water, and the Red Sea came back together. Man, oh man.5
And remember the story of Jehoshaphat, up against the battle of his life, enemies coming from every side (probably my favorite Old Testament account) ... when he turns to God for help, and is told, "STAND FIRM and see the deliverance the Lord will give you...do not be afraid, do not be discouraged...the Lord will be with you." This set up the scene for the miracle God would do.6
Please note, friends: the greater our trial or painful circumstances, the greater miracle it sets up for our Lord to do. STAND FIRM in the faith, Paul wrote; the verse in full
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."7
We can stand firm because our God is mighty.
'Don't grumble against each other'... and do not judge one another either. There is only one Judge; and hey, look in the mirror - you are not Him.
So, let us bear in mind the coming return of Jesus,
who will come in the skies,
and with feet planted and muscles flexed in strength,
STAND FIRM in our faith. . . our God is mighty.
'Hey! Jesus is coming back, Y'all!'
Listen to this song by CeCeWinans, "In a Little While" :
You and I must live each day in light of eternity,
in light of the fact that Jesus is coming ba
ck, y'all.
Christine
James, no.25
1 - John 14.8
2 - Matthew 16.27
3 - Matthew 24.30
4 - 1 Thessalonians 4.16-17
5 - Exodus 14
6 - 2 Chronicles 20 - look up this recounting of an unbelievable, historical event!
7 - 1 Corinthians 16.13
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