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LONG PATIENCE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
James 5:7

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

“…let us run with patience the race

that is set before us.”

 

LONG PATIENCE
 
The Apostle commands the believers to demonstrate patience despite difficulties. They have been persecuted, experienced discrimination from their brethren and are oppressed by the wicked rich. And some cannot endure the tribulations anymore. They need encouragement to trust and to anticipate the promises of God as written in the Scriptures.
 
Unto the coming of the Lord: “Be patient” (James 5:7) has the idea of restraining the temper. The believer must not allow mistreatment and oppression to drive him to hatred, bitterness, or despair. In tribulations, such feelings against the wicked (or even against God) may arise. The former because of the suffering; and the latter because the believer thinks He is to be blamed for allowing hardships. The non-retaliatory response must be the believer’s acceptance “unto the coming of the Lord.” James is referring to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this hope must be in every Christian as he faces the world’s many challenging situations.
 
As waiting for the precious fruit: In Palestine, there are two rainy seasons, on which the harvest essentially depends: the autumnal and the spring rains. In the Scriptures, they are termed the early and the latter rains (Deut 11:14; Job 29:23; Jer 5:24). The autumnal or early rains usually commence in the latter half of October or the beginning of November. The whole period from October to March constitutes one continued rainy season, without any regularly intervening time of prolonged fair weather. So the early and the latter rains are a long wait for the farmers from the first showers of autumn. The early rains revive the parched and thirsty earth, and prepare the seed until the latter showers of spring, which refresh and hasten the ripening crops for harvest. It is about five to six months of waiting, but the farmers patiently anticipate the harvest.
 
Dear readers, the soon return of Jesus is even surer than the harvest. But many doubt because it seems to take such a long time. Read 2 Peter 3:9. Be patient, for we have a sure hope in God.
 
THOUGHT: Do I have long patience?
PRAYER: Father, help me to endure life’s challenges patiently as I anticipate the return of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

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